Shadows and Light

Overview

Melisa, a 17 year old romani girl is being bullied. She experiences alienation and frustration at school, but mother Carme supports her with her family history and old letters. The letters and old photographs open up the family’s story and expectations to Melisa: how to be proud of your romani culture while succeeding in a finnish education system. The story combines everyday moments, memories and symbolic scenes, such as family gatherings, bullying situations and conversations, which give light to Melisa’s growth. In the end Melisa understands her own roots, family history and her own worth and finds her place in the world proud as a romani and as finnish.