Watch Our School

Our School is a touching documentary film that explores the lives of several Roma (also known as Gypsy) children as they attend a mainstream Romanian school for the first time. The film takes place in a small village in Transylvania, where the Roma have lived for generations as a marginalized and oftentimes persecuted minority. The director, Mona Nicoara, and co-director Miruna Coca-Cozma, originally set out to make a film about the desegregation of schools in Romania, but soon became drawn to the story of these particular Roma children and their struggles to integrate into the larger community.

The film follows the journey of Alin, Beni, and Dana, as well as several other children, over the course of four years as they attend the local school. Each child has their own unique story and struggles, but all face similar challenges as they navigate a system that is not equipped to provide the support they need.

The filmmakers use a mixture of fly-on-the-wall footage, interviews, and diary entries from the children to tell their stories. The result is a nuanced and empathetic portrait of a community that is often misunderstood and ostracized.

One of the strengths of Our School is that it does not shy away from the difficult and uncomfortable realities of the children's lives. We see them facing discrimination from teachers and students alike, struggling to keep up with the demands of the curriculum, and dealing with the burden of poverty and social exclusion.

At the same time, the film celebrates the resilience and determination of the children and their families. We see them advocating for themselves and their rights, supporting each other, and finding joy and beauty in their culture and traditions.

The film also highlights the potential for positive change when individuals and institutions work together towards a common goal. We see the efforts of a dedicated principal and teacher to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for the Roma children, as well as the support of outside organizations and donors.

Overall, Our School is a powerful and moving documentary that sheds light on an important social issue while also offering a humanizing and personal perspective. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in education, human rights, and social justice.