Small birds sing when winter's over

A new film explores the intimate story of four Gypsy and Traveller families as they struggle to raise and educate their children in 21st century Britain. The film follows their battles against bureaucracy, prejudice, forced evictions and temporary housing and shows how parents are attempting to balance the rights of their children with that of their culture and way of life.

Filmed, produced and directed by Rizwana Hamid, Small birds sing when winter’s over is inspired by the lyrics of Gypsy and Traveller anthem “I’m a freeborn man of the travelling people”. It was commissioned by Cara, which provides support services to Gypsies and Travellers throughout England.

The film largely follows the lives of Irish Travellers including members of the McCarthy and Maughan families, but also meets more recent Romany migrants from Romania.

Watch it here or get it by contacting CARA 0208 800 2744 or office@caraha.org