Black and white in colour / directed by Mira Erdevicki.

Format:

Video

Contributor:

Erdevicki, Mira, director.

Alexander Street Press.

Series:

Filmakers library online

Language:

Czech

Subjects (All):

Bílà, Vera.

Romanies--Music.

Romanies.

Romanies--Czech Republic.

Singers--Czech Republic.

Singers.

Folk music--Czech Republic.

Folk music.

Genre:

Documentary films.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (60 minutes)

Other Title:

Black and white in colour : a portrait of a gypsy singer

Portrait of a gypsy singer

Place of Publication:

New York, NY : Filmakers Library, 2000.

Language Note:

In Czech with English subtitles.

System Details:

digital

data file

Summary:

Vera Bila does everything in a big way. Her body is oversized. Her dark hair billows untidily. Her temperament is fiery. She chain smokes. She belts out songs with gusto in a hoarse, earthy voice. In fact, this singer from the Romany tradition is on her way to being a cabaret star in Europe. Surrounded by the husband she adores, and a loyal entourage of amateur Gypsy musicians who began as manual laborers, she tours the capitals of Europe in a caravan that frequently breaks down. Here is a portrait of a Gypsy diva who is viewed with indifference and suspicion in her own country, even as she gains acclaim elsewhere. The age-old discrimination against Gypsies has shaped Bila's character. She must constantly battle for acceptance. 'I sing about the troubles I have. I just put everything into my songs. Sometimes when I sing I cry--'.

Notes:

Title from resource description page (viewed June 10, 2015).

OCLC:

911954756

Access Restriction:

Restricted for use by site license.