Een zwaar hart

The history of the illustrious gypsy orchestra Tata Mirando goes back to the beginning of the twentieth century, when the orchestra was founded by Joseph Weis, or Tata (father) Mirando senior. The music, a peculiar interpretation of folk music from Central and Eastern Europe, is handed down from father to son. Today, the orchestra still largely consists of relatives. In recent decades, the family orchestra has acquired great renown, but like all gypsies (Sinti, in this case), these musicians have gone through atrocious times. In World War II, they fell victim to persecution and treachery. Kokalo Mirando’s father (until his death the leader of the orchestra) lost his parents and his brothers, sisters, uncles and aunts. With his own family, he narrowly escaped deportation. The film is a story about family ties, pride, love and death – all expressed in the music.