Jivot v geto (1997)

Shot at first with the intention to reveal "the human rights violations" in a gypsy ghetto, the film features the squalid conditions in dilapidated apartment blocks where ethnic Bulgarian residents are outnumbered by gypsy. The Bulgarian neighbours are alienated and claim to be robbed and assaulted by gypsy gangs constantly. In the film, they explain in a cautious manner their desire to move out of the district with the “disparity between the two cultures”. The electricity bills collector confronts the tricks of the population to hide their consumption and persuades the women in charge of the cash, out of their money. The postal clerk that gives away the ECU checks gives her explanation about the swarming queues in front of her office with the long tradition of pampering the minorities. “I want to be gypsy on the weekends”, she confesses as the narration turns to the bright side of gypsy life – with their incessant wedding parties, music and dances. The film concludes with Prince Charles’ visit to the district, escorted by the Bulgarian president and a couple of British Bobbies, all greeting heartily the gypsy crowds.