Breaking the circle of early marriages and early motherhood in Roma Communities
Directed by
Evangelia Giannelou, Stavros Andreas Kostakis
This documentary explores the issue of early marriage and early motherhood within Roma communities across parts of Europe, where these practices continue to present significant social challenges. Rooted in a combination of historical marginalisation, poverty, limited access to education, gender inequality, and deeply embedded social norms, the film takes a sensitive and human-centred approach to a complex reality.
Integrated within an Erasmus+ project funded by the European Union and coordinated by KLIMAKA NGO (Greece), the documentary gives voice to the lived experiences of young Roma girls and women, while also examining the perspectives of families, community leaders, and institutions.
It highlights the urgent need for sustainable change through equal access to quality education, community-based dialogue and empowerment, pathways to employment and vocational training, and stronger policy implementation to protect the rights of women and children.
By moving beyond stereotypes, the film aims to foster informed dialogue and awareness, supporting girls in their journey toward education, independence, and self-determination. Because every girl deserves the chance to choose her own future.
Yearly:
Monthly:
- August: Realism
- Best Character Study
- Best Character Transformation
- Best Coming-of-Age Film
- Best Cross-Cultural Narrative
- Best Cultural Documentary
- Best Depiction of Daily Life
- Best Environmental Story
- Best Existential Short
- Best Metamorphosis Film
- Best Narrative Based on True Events
- Best Natural Performance
- Best Portrayal of Mental Health
- Best Realism Film
- Best Redemption Arc
- Best Story of Healing
- Best Under-Represented Story
- Best Unreliable Narrator
- Best Use of Native Language
- January: Metamorphosis
- March: Voices of the World
- Most Emotionally Raw Moment
- Most Inspiring Ending
- November: The Human Condition

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