Gadjo Dilo

Shown: 1 November 1999

France 1997 (subtitles)
Directed by Tony Gatlif
Leading players - Romain Duris, Rona Hartner and Izidor Serban

Synopsis

This film is set in Romania. Stéphane (Romain Duris), a young Parisian, is travelling along the roads of rural Romania in search of a Gypsy singer (Nora Luca) whose music accompanied his father before his death. His quest takes him to a remote village where a Gypsy encampment is located. He encounters a drunk old man, Izidor (Izidor Serban), who takes him under his wing and endeavours to get his fellow Gypsies to accept the young 'Gadjo Dilo', the 'crazy outsider'. Stéphane goes through a sentimental journey as he is guided through the Gypsy community by Izidor. The richness of the Gypsy culture becomes more obvious to Stéphane as times passes. He grows closer to the villagers and they, in turn, gradually learn to accept him.

Gadjo Dilo is both a piece of art and realism which presents the audience with an understanding of the gypsy community that is devoid of pretentiousness. With preponderantly non-professional casts, Tony Gatlif gives the film poignancy and captivates the spirit of the Gypsy people. The subjects are not patronised or looked at as though they are 'ethnographic curiosities'. Our Western lifestyle and culture are confronted by the free spirit and persistent independence of the Romanian village.