J.R. Bathoorn - Niška Banja // Serbian song at Betonbos Groningen

In the baths of the South Serbian town of Niška Banja the water is warm and life is good! We are happy and drink rakija! This song is sung in Serbian and Rromanes, the language of the Roma people – still more commonly known by the derogatory term 'gypsy'. We filmed this video in Betonbos in Groningen where people choose to live in an alternative way in wagons and tents, close together, in community. Even though some local governments encourage 'tiny housing' projects where people live small and sustainable, when such projects arise by themselves, they are not necessarily met with encouragement. The form of living the people from Betonbos chose is under constant pressure, as is the traditional nomadic life style of the Roma, who are met with stereotyping and racism I spent many a long night playing this music at the campfire at Betonbos with other musicians that live there, and I hope we will share some of those nights together still! Video: Dasha Vinogradova Dancer: Suus Pinheiro Bartolo