How I Became a Partisan reveals a compelling, yet often overlooked chapter of World War II history through the lens of Romani resilience and heroism. Directed by Vera Lacková, the documentary delves into the untold stories of Roma partisans in former Czechoslovakia, focusing on her great-grandfather, Ján Lacko. In 1944, Lacko fought alongside Slovak partisans against Nazi occupiers, only to return to find his family murdered. His legacy, and those of other Romani fighters, remained obscured by prejudice and historical neglect.
Lacková’s film is both a personal quest and a broader historical investigation. As she traces her great-grandfather’s footsteps, she uncovers the stories of three other Roma partisans, revealing their harrowing experiences in concentration camps, battles, and post-war struggles. Through interviews, archival research, and visits to Slovak villages, the film confronts enduring anti-Roma sentiment and challenges the stereotype of the Roma as mere victims. The documentary not only highlights the heroic contributions of Roma fighters but also draws chilling parallels between past and present racial injustices in Europe, urging a reevaluation of their rightful place in history.
As a student film, How I Became a Partisan is a fantastic documentary, but as a resource for learning, it stumbles over its own feet. Lacková’s attempt to weave together past and present often overlooks the documented history viewers were promised, resulting in a dissatisfying documentary experience. As someone who was excited to learn about a topic I had no prior knowledge about, I was frustrated that this relatively unknown history took a backseat to long, uncomfortable moments of bigotry. The balance was just off. Those looking for proof of anti-Roma bigotry in modern Czech and Slovak culture will find plenty of evidence and others seeking representations of modern Roma culture will be satisfied. Still, those looking for a history documentary with a genealogical aspect will be displeased. Recommended.
Where does this title belong on public library shelves?
How I Became a Partisan belongs alongside Roma or European cultural documentaries.
What kind of film series could use this title?
How I Became a Partisan would be an excellent choice for a series on the perceptions and realities of bigotry. It often confronts the myth that “we don’t have that problem anymore” or "That doesn't happen here."