GYPSIES (Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary, Albania, Kosovo, 2005-2006)
Several decades ago nomadic gypsies were still to be found throughout Europe. Today their numbers have declined dramatically and their territory is limited. The change in their situation came with the disappearance of the Iron Curtain. Since then the relatively prosperous Roma and other gypsy groups have fallen into extreme poverty. Ecological, economic and political factors threaten their traditional romantic existence. As a result of discrimination, inadequate schooling and the disappearance of state-owned industrial and agricultural businesses, East European gypsies are faced with massive unemployment, health problems, illiteracy and poor living conditions. Many try to keep their head above water by begging, low-paid jobs and traditional gypsy professions such as wood carving and fortune telling.
