The programme 'La mirada romaní en el SeFF' presents an exceptional selection of seven films, including a world premiere, that highlight the creative voices and perspectives of Romani filmmakers from across Europe. As part of the 23rd edition of the European Film Festival of Sevilla, running from 10 to 14 November, 'Raising Romani Gaze: La mirada romaní en el SeFF' brings together European artists of Romani descent, centring the festival around stories narrated from within these communities.
Through feature films, short films, documentaries, and restored cinematic works, the programme creates a space for new perspectives, artistic exchange, and meaningful conversations about representation, identity, memory, and the power of cinema. The selection includes seven films, four of which are premieres in Spain, offering the Andalusian audience a unique opportunity to discover the work of filmmakers from diverse European backgrounds and connect with stories that challenge established narratives and expand the cinematic landscape.
This inaugural edition features the Spanish premiere of 'I Matter' (2026), directed by Romanian filmmaker Alina Șerban, who won the Audience Award at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival and was nominated for the European Film Awards (12 November, 21:30, mk2 Nervión, Sala 4; 13 November, 19:30, mk2 Nervión, Sala 3). Additionally, the documentary 'I Saw A “Suno”' (2025), directed by Hungarian filmmaker Katalin Bársony, follows its screening at the 36th Cottbus Film Festival (12 November, 21:00; and 14 November, 17:15; all screenings at mk2 Nervión, Sala 5).
The relaunch, 25 years later, of 'Invasión Travesti'—an underground cult film from Andalusia directed by Sevilla native Jero de los Santos and restored in collaboration with the Málaga Film Festival and the Film Archive of Andalucía—will be presented under the title 'Invasión Travesti (Remastered 2025)' (13 November, 21:30, Plaza de Armas, Sala 5). The showcase places special emphasis on the aesthetic, political, and symbolic power of the cinema of two young directors: Portuguese filmmaker Leonor Teles with her short film 'Batrachian's Ballad' (2016), winner of the Golden Bear at the 66th Berlin International Film Festival, and Finnish director and writer Carmen Baltzar with the impactful 'All the Love In My Body' (2026). The queer, identity, and generational perspectives are explored in 'Chavo' (2023), by Swedish director Alecio Araci. Meanwhile, 'Smooth The Edges' (2026), directed by British filmmaker Charles Newland, will have its world premiere at the festival, giving the audience the first opportunity to see this short film, supported by the British Film Institute (BFI) (13 November, 10:00, mk2 Nervión, Sala 5).
Together, these seven works offer a multifaceted perspective on the experiences and artistic expression of the Romani people, engaging various cinematic languages and creative approaches.
Beyond the screen: conversations and encounters
'Raising Romani Gaze: La mirada romaní en el SeFF' transcends film screenings to create spaces for direct exchange between filmmakers and audiences. The programme will be presented and contextualised by its curators, Jero de los Santos and Katalin Bársony, who will guide discussions around the films, their artistic approaches, and the perspectives that shape their stories. These encounters provide the audience with the opportunity to meet the filmmakers, hear firsthand about their creative processes, and participate in live conversations about the experiences, ideas, and issues underlying their works.
As part of the festival's industry programme FRAME, 'Raising Romani Gaze: La mirada romaní en el SeFF' will host two professional meetings exploring the creative and cultural dimensions of Romani cinema. 'The frog, the dream, and the not-so-distant gaze: reimagining Romani representation' is an industry meeting that will be conducted in English. Moderated by Jero de los Santos, it will explore the symbols, desires, and perspectives that shape Romani cinema and discuss how filmmakers can challenge established narratives and create new ways of seeing and representing Romani lives. The round table 'Personal inspiration: autobiography, memory, and the stories we create' (13 November) will be moderated by Katalin Bársony and examines the relationship between memory, lived experience, and cinematic creation, exploring how personal stories and perspectives transform into cinematic narratives.
Together, both sessions invite filmmakers, industry professionals, and the public to reflect on the evolution of the language of Romani cinema and the importance of creative agency in defining its future. The event is part of the broader activities of Raising Romani Gaze in Andalucía, strengthening ties between European Romani artists, the local audience, and the wider film community. By bringing together seven films, industry discussions, and open encounters, this programme asserts the importance of Romani authorship and creative freedom in contemporary European cinema. It not only provides a platform for stories emerging from within the community but also invites the audience and industry professionals to reconsider familiar perspectives and engage with the richness and diversity of Romani artistic expression.
The programme is developed in collaboration with Filmmakers.eu, Spotlight, Knowledge Sharing Label of the European Film Academy, Romedia Foundation, and the Ayuntamiento de Sevilla.
