The Roma Education Fund and Dragoș Mușat, creator of the premium audio-video platform Ochii Minții (The Eyes of the Mind), launched on November 16th the first episode of the series “Roma Slavery in the Romanian Principalities”.
At the event hosted and moderated by Dragoș Mușat (also known as Tetelu), we had the privilege of having several distinguished guests, including PhD Ciprian Necula, President of the Roma Education Fund (REF); PhD Valentin Negoi, a history professor and the host of the online show RomStoria, produced by REF; Maria Luiza Medeleanu, a PhD candidate and educational expert at REF; and Mircea Toma, a member of the National Audio-visual Council.
“This product mirrors the style you encounter on platforms like the BBC World Service or the The New York Times. It marks a significant milestone for us, especially for those who need to confront our historical legacy. Yes, Romanians were slaveholders for a staggering 500 years. While this topic remains contentious within Romania, we’ve decided to present it candidly and without reservation. Undoubtedly, some listeners will push back, while others may struggle to accept it, but this unvarnished truth deserves acknowledgment” – Dragoș Mușat.
The three “Ochii Minții” audio materials produced and directed by Dragoș Mușat were made with the support of the Roma Education Fund, the research work and the writing of the stories bearing the signature of PhD Valentin Negoi. The voice is that of actress Silva Helena Schmidt (“Liberty”, “Avatar: The Way of Water”). The recordings were made in the Taine-Multimedia studio.
“We were elated with Tetelu’s proposal, particularly because REF has produced, for the past two years, the #RomStoria animated video project, delving into the rich history of the Roma in Romania. Dragoș’s series – “Roma Slavery in Romanian Principalities” – introduces a fresh perspective. Through three meticulously crafted audio materials, it unveils the untold stories of historical figures. Among them are the poignant tales of the boy named Crăciun (Christmas), a slave who was sold three times within two days, and Florica Constantinescu, the visionary Roma student who established Bucharest’s first kindergarten for Roma children during the 1930s.” – PhD Valentin Negoi, REF Romania.
The first episode of the “Ochii Minții” project presents the history of Roma slaves in Romania, from the first documentary attestation (1385) to the beginning of the 19th century, emphasizing the types of slavery, the obligations of slaves according to their master, the differences between different states of servitude and Roma slavery, on the theories related to the arrival of Roma in these lands.
The episode is available on the YouTube channels Ochii Minții and Viva Historia – The true history of Romania.
