Roma people of Turkey re-write their cinematographic images

Abstract

The historical construction of the Roma image in Turkey, via both official and unofficial narratives, has constituted a derogatory repertoire. Their portrayal in the mainstream Turkish cinema and TV in particular has contributed to the predominant imaginary in circulation which essentially is based on common binaries and stereotypes. In order to challenge prevailing stereotypes about the Roma, we have conducted a transformative action research project with the Roma people of the Sira district in Izmir, Turkey, who volunteered to make their own films. This article provides an account of this community filmmaking project. Locating the Roma in the conceptual framework of subalternity, we ultimately investigate whether it is possible to talk about agency in regard to the Roma people of Turkey.