A Roma Musical Journey

Throughout centuries of migration, the Romani population continues to leave its cultural imprint on many regions of the world. Their music shapes the traditions of several countries in Asia, Europe and the Americas, despite historical persecution and disenfranchisement.

The following is a trailer for the 1993 documentary film Latcho Drom ("safe journey"), directed by Tony Gatlif, a French filmmaker of Romani descent.

In the film, Gatlif, who focuses his work on Romani themes, documents the songs and dances of Roma communities across India, Egypt, Turkey, Romania, Hungary, Slovakia, France and Spain. These regions mark the Roma's journey from the deserts of Northern India—where they trace back their ancestry—to European lands, showcasing an example of non-state cultural diplomacy via the Romani diaspora in Europe.

The film, which contains mainly musical performances and very little dialogue, is available in its entirety here. 

The original film trailer is available here.