Recently, I had the great privilege of writing the score for “A People Uncounted”. The filmmakers were my dear friends: Aaron Yeger (director) and Lenny Binder, Tom Rasky and Marc Swenker (Producers). Being of Roma descent, this film is of deep personal significance for me. The film’s inception arose from a discussion with Lenny, Tom and myself about the Holocaust. Both Lenny and Tom are children of survivors and I lamented that the Romani experience during the holocaust had never been told even though an estimated 500,000 of my people had been slaughtered during this tragic period including some of my ancestors. Without blinking an eye Lenny said that we’re making a film. Two years later, and the film just premiered at the Montreal International Film Festival to rave reviews.
A People Uncounted is more that just a Holocaust film. The Roma are a people who have been both romanticized and vilified in popular culture and who have endured literally centuries of intolerance, persecution and enslavement in Europe. A People Uncounted documents their colorful but often difficult lives, including how their present state has been shaped by the tragedies of the past and most notably the Holocaust. Filmed in 11 countries and featuring dozens of Roma—including Holocaust survivors, historians, activists and musicians—A People Uncounted brings the Romani history to life through the rich interplay of their poetry, music, and compelling first hand accounts.
As ethnic intolerance flares up across Europe, A People Uncounted sheds light on this unique culture while presenting the Roma tale as emblematic of the world’s legacy of racism and genocide.
It was a great privilege to have been part of this important film.
Compositions “Homeland” and “First Love” from the soundtrack are featured on my new album “Place To Place”.
