The next documentary in Doc & Talk: Living Together is “Pongo Calling”by Tomáš Kratochvíl. We will screen the film on 8 July at Ciné Sura in Echternach from 19:30. “Pongo Calling” depicts the story of a man who turns his disagreement into something positive – true activism against prejudice and racial discrimination.

     Becoming an agent of change, Štefan Pongo shows to the world how negative public discourse and blatant discrimination lead to long-lasting misconceptions and wrong ideas about Roma communities.

     A film that raises a lot of questions, so often comfortably neglected by many people. We invite you to talk about these questions in searching for the answer of how to live better together with all communities and cultures.

     The event is with free entry and it is part of the Biergerpakt initiative by The Ministry of Family Affairs, Solidarity, Living Together and Reception of Refugees. Thanks to their kind support, Doc & Talk: Living Together continues its mission.

     As part of our inclusive concept, there will be a translation of the discussion to German. The film is with English subtitles and the conversation with Tomáš Kratochvíl will also be in English.

Synopsis of “Pongo Calling”:

Štefan Pongo is a Roma lorry driver. Fifteen years ago, he emigrated from the Czech Republic to the UK with his family to shield them from the open racial discrimination there. The children have since graduated from university and the family is doing well. Mission complete. But hateful sentiments from the old country continue to have an impact.

When the Czech president claims that the Roma are work-shy, an angry Štefan asks other Roma to send him photographs on social media of them at work. Štefan receives thousands of photos and becomes a well-known media figure. 

He starts producing video blogs, organizes anti-racism demonstrations and provides humanitarian aid to Roma settlements in need. He establishes a civic association and fights online battles with the ‘haters’. All this comes at the cost of time spent with his family. Štefan’s spirited wife, Iveta, has had enough.

Will this prominent Roma lorry driver be able to restore some harmony back into his life?

 Come and see on 8 July! Pongo Calling may inspire your own calling for a more just and fairer world.

 Please register for the free screening on the following link: Click here.

We are grateful to our partners – the communes of Garnich and Bettembourg, as well as Ciné le Paris, Ciné Sura and Kinoler for the most welcoming reception and smooth organization of our screenings.