Film Lens
The documentary focuses on the lives of Irish Travellers, a marginalized community in Europe. It presents the stark contrast between the romanticized view of Travellers and the harsh realities they face, as highlighted by a recent EU report that ranks them as the poorest and most discriminated against minority in Europe. The film captures their way of life, including their annual gathering in the north of England, where 10,000 Travellers and gypsies come together to celebrate their culture and trade horses, which are central to their identity.
Through personal stories, such as that of Ned Stoke and his family, the film illustrates the deep connection Travellers have with horses and their traditions. It also addresses the pressures they face from society, including the risk of cultural disappearance and the mental health challenges within their community. The documentary emphasizes the importance of preserving their way of life for future generations, as seen in Ned's commitment to passing down traditions to his children.
Why Watch
- •Meet Ned Stoke and his family at the gypsy fair.
- •Find out how Irish Travellers celebrate their horse culture.
- •See the challenges faced by the Travellers in modern society.
Did You Know
•A recent EU report ranked Irish Travellers as the poorest minority in Europe.
•Each year, 10,000 Travellers gather for four days at the largest gypsy fair in Europe.
•Ned Stoke sold four horses and bought a new one during the gypsy fair.
•Horses can reach speeds of over 30 miles per hour during sales at the fair.
Perfect For
Cultural preservationHorse enthusiastsSocial justice advocates