Everyday Life of Roma Children from Block 71

There are 600 squatter settlements in Serbia, the inhabitants of which are mostly of Roma origin. Of these, 105 are in Belgrade with seventeen more in New Belgrade. Here, Ivana Todorovic documents the life of the Stankovic family who migrated from Southern Serbia in search of better opportunities. Provided with few social services, their living conditions are rough and the children work to help support their family.

An intimate window into Serbian Roma culture, the documentary sheds light on the intricacies of Roma customs and their amalgamation of cultural influences - from Roma and Serbian culture to Hispanic pop-culture. Remarkably resilient, funny and optimistic, the children speak openly about their hopes and dreams, including educational opportunities from which they are often excluded. Charming and informative, the documentary brings an alternative and very human view of the often-beleaguered and impoverished Roma. Filmmaker: Ivana Todorovic