Watch A People Uncounted

A People Uncounted is a documentary movie released in 2011 that explores the rich history and culture of the Romani people, also known as the Gypsies. Directed by Aaron Yeger, the movie focuses on the persecution and social exclusion faced by the Romani community throughout the centuries. The movie also highlights the artistic contributions of the community, which has been widely unappreciated and ignored.

The title of the movie itself is a statement about the invisibility of the Romani people. Historically, the Romani people have been a nomadic group that have lived across Europe, Asia, and Africa for over 1,000 years. Despite their longevity, the Romani people have been the targets of discrimination, marginalization, and persecution across the world. The term "uncounted" in the movie's title refers to the fact that the true number of Roma is unknown since the community has been excluded from official censuses, and its members are often reluctant to identify themselves as Roma due to the negative associations attached to the label.

The movie begins by offering a brief history of the Romani people, tracing their origins to the subcontinent of India and their migration to Europe in the 14th century. The Romani's nomadic lifestyle, their language, and their cultural practices such as music and dance are explored, as well as their adaptation to different social and political contexts over time. The movie then shifts its focus to the plight of the Romani people in the modern era.

The movie exposes the wide-scale persecution of the Romani people during the Holocaust, in which an estimated 500,000 Roma were killed by the Nazis. The movie features interviews with survivors of concentration camps, who describe their experiences of being targeted and persecuted by the Nazis. The movie also explores the Romani people's experiences after the war, including the continuing discrimination and social exclusion that they faced in countries across Europe.

A People Uncounted delves into the complexities of the Romani identity and highlights the challenges faced by Roma in attempting to maintain their cultural traditions and heritage in the face of social exclusion from mainstream society. The Romani people are often forced to keep their identity hidden or to suppress their cultural practices in order to avoid persecution. Therefore, the movie also explores the rich artistic heritage that the community has developed over time and highlights the importance of preserving Romani art and storytelling traditions.

Throughout the movie, the voices of the Romani people are brought to the forefront, with interviews and testimonials from members of the community. Many of these interviews are frank and revealing, offering a rare glimpse into a community that has often been shrouded in mystery and misinformation.

The movie concludes by emphasizing the importance of acknowledging the Romani people's contributions to global culture and society. The movie argues that the Romani community has long been marginalized and excluded from mainstream society, and it is time to challenge the stereotypes and prejudices that have been attached to this group for centuries. The movie encourages viewers to see the Romani people as an integral part of the cultural landscape and to celebrate the richness and diversity of their traditions.

In conclusion, A People Uncounted is an enlightening and emotionally charged documentary that offers a deep insight into the often-overlooked history and culture of the Romani people. Through interviews, archival footage, and powerful storytelling, the movie challenges viewers to see the importance of cultural diversity and the need to recognize and celebrate the contributions of marginalized communities. A must-watch for anyone interested in the history of the Romani people or the struggles of other minority communities across the world.

A People Uncounted is a 2014 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 39 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5 and a MetaScore of 72.