Interview with Jasmine Dellal

Rosamaria interviewed director, producer and artist Jasmine Dellal April 2015. The interview was part of Coventry University’s Romani Week Conversation Series.  The event kicked off the weeklong festival and offered insight into Jasmine’s relationship with the Romani community. Her featured documentaries Gypsy Caravan: when the road bends  and American Gypsy were discussed and  anecdotes of the films were shared.

As her website states, Gypsy Caravan: when the road bends is a “dazzling display of the musical world of the Roma, juxtaposed to the real world they live in. This rich feature documentary celebrates the luscious music of top international Gypsy performers and interweaves stirring real life tales of their home life and social background. Shot by documentary icon Albert Maysles, the film takes place on location in Spain, Macedonia, Romania and India, as well as in Europe and in the USA during the Gypsy Caravan concert tour created by World Music Institute. Starring musicians from FANFARE CIOCARLIA, TARAF DE HAIDOUKS, MAHARAJA, ANTONIO EL PIPA & ESMA REDZEPOVA. Film directed and produced by Jasmine Dellal whose previous feature, AMERICAN GYPSY, won international acclaim for its portrait of an American Romani family battling a decade of drama.”

American Gypsy is one of her older films and  Jasmine relives many of the funny moments she experienced while filming and working with the North American family. “America is home to one million Gypsies, or Rom, whose rich culture has long been mysterious to outsiders. A flamboyant Romani leader invites us into this world when it comes under threat. In a quest to defend his honor, he leads us through the history of his people to Civil Rights courts, Vegas casinos and beyond.”

Jasmine’s work behind the camera is exceptional and her eloquent way with words and storytelling  is special. It was an honour to meet and interview the woman with a critical eye and a welcoming spirit.