Us and Them: The Dangers of Juxtaposing Colour-Coded Narrative Worlds – Interview with Dr. Radmila Mladenova (Heidelberg University)

Dr. Radmila Mladenova (Heidelberg University) in conversation with Sinan Barış Yaşar (HGGS) - Which stereotypical metanarratives have historically dominated films depicting the Roma community?- How does the contrast between light and darkness function within the visual language of films portraying the Roma community?- How can we critically approach films that depict the Roma community through stereotypical representations? In this episode, we are delighted to welcome Dr. Radmila Mladenova from the Heidelberg Research Centre on Antigypsyism at Heidelberg University, who joins us to discuss the portrayal of Roma community in film and the broader implications of cinematic storytelling. Our conversation explores how stereotypical metanarratives have historically shaped film representations of the Roma community and how cinematic techniques, such as the use of light and darkness, color coding, and narrative structures like the “hero’s journey” contribute to reinforcing social hierarchies and racialized portrayals. Drawing on her research on anti -gypsyism and film analysis, Dr. Mladenova explains how racism can operate through narrative frameworks and visual language, and how such representations have evolved across different historical periods of cinema. The episode also reflects on the importance of interdisciplinary research, critical media literacy, and policy initiatives aimed at fighting against anti-gypsyism and promoting more accurate and responsible portrayals of Roma communities in contemporary media. Join us as we examine how films construct narratives of “Us and Them” and discuss why critically engaging with cinematic representation is essential for fostering intercultural understanding and challenging persistent stereotypes! Critical Film & Image Hub: https://www.fsa.uni-heidelberg.de/en/filmhub Note: Information about Dr. Mladenova’s upcoming digital workshop in October 2026 will be published on this website. Film Criticism Blog: https://www.fsa.uni-heidelberg.de/en/filmhub/filmkritik Dr. Mladenova´s Open-Access Dissertation: https://heiup.uni-heidelberg.de/catalog/book/989 Timeline(00:00) Intro(00:24) Introducing Dr. Mladenova and Her Academic Background(04:02) Motivation behind the Research(07:23) Fictional Depictions of the Roma Community in Films and the Concept of 'Gypsy Mask' (09:00) Objective Criteria of Racism: Essentialization, Naturalization, Hierarchization and Polarization(11:33) “Us vs. Them” as a Social Relationship in Films Depicting the Roma Community(13:28) White vs. Black: The Use of Light and Darkness to Depict Hierarchy and Morality in Films(17:42) Stereotypes in Film Representations of the Roma Community(20:06) Commercial Interests behind Racist Stereotypes in Films(22:44) Metanarratives and “Hero's Journey” in Films Depicting Roma Community(24:07) Color Coding and Visual Language in Films(25:42) Changes in Stereotypical Narratives accross Different Eras(30:36) Stereotypes about the Roma Community in Contemporary Cinema(33:00) Importance of Interdisciplinary Approaches(34:01) Policy Recommendations and Efforts to Combat Anti-Gypsyism in Films(35:58) Public Awareness of Stereotypes in Films(38:21) Personal Insights: Future Research Directions and Upcoming Events(40:51) Outro KeywordsRoma Community, Film Stereotypes, Anti-Gypsyism, Cinematic Language, Racism in Media, Racism, Film Analysis, Visual Storytelling, Representation, Intercultural Understanding, Film Narratives, Roma and Sinti, Critical Analysis, Color Coding, Hero´s Journey, Visual Language, Movie Analysis, Cinema Analysis, Metanarratives, Interdisciplinary Research, Hierarchical Relationships, Social Relationships, Us and Them, Academic Podcast, Scientific Podcast, Heidelberg University