Vojta Lavička: Nahoru a dolů

Documentary film that follows the ups and downs of the Romany musician, activist and reporter Vojta Lavička. Vojta is the pioneer in Romany TV and radio broadcasting, advocates the rights of gypsies, and he primarily made his name as a great violin player thanks to his performing in the music group Gipsy.cz. At the same time, he has been fighting his whole life against the darker aspects of his character, resolving relationships with women and looking for his place in the sun in and out of the Romany community. "Whenever I have the opportunity to be contented and happy, I screw it up somehow," stated Lavička, who was followed by the camera for a period of 16 years. A more general picture of the life of gypsies in Czech society is gradually pieced together with events in his personal and professional life, forming its background. Efforts to make a change and hopes of a better life are successively alternated by disillusionment and resignation. The sadness and joy is best illustrated by the powerful gypsy music that permeates the entire film. (Verleiher-Text)