Children of the Open Road 1992
Directed by Urs Egger, *Children of the Open Road (1992)* unfolds a poignant historical drama set against the backdrop of 1939 Switzerland, where a resilient Gypsy family faces unimaginable cruelty after fleeing Nazi persecution.
Director: Urs Egger
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Children of the Open Road (1992) about?
Set in 1939 Switzerland, the film follows a Gypsy family who escape Nazi persecution only to be torn apart by state-sanctioned child removal policies. A young girl, Jana, is forcibly taken from her parents and forced into a bleak system of orphanages, reflecting a real historical injustice.
Who directed Children of the Open Road?
Urs Egger directed *Children of the Open Road*, bringing a sensitive yet unflinching lens to this historical drama.
Who stars in Children of the Open Road?
The film features a talented cast including Jasmin Tabatabai, Andrea Eckert, Hans Peter Korff, Nina Petri, and Wolf-Dietrich Berg.
Is Children of the Open Road (1992) worth watching?
*Children of the Open Road* is a powerful, if difficult, watch—especially for fans of historical dramas exploring systemic injustice. While it may not be widely known, Egger's direction and the cast's performances make it a compelling, thought-provoking film worth seeking out.
How long is Children of the Open Road?
The film has a runtime of 117 minutes.
Children of the Open Road (1992): A Forgotten Swiss Tragedy — Full Movie Info
Directed by Urs Egger, *Children of the Open Road (1992)* unfolds a poignant historical drama set against the backdrop of 1939 Switzerland, where a resilient Gypsy family faces unimaginable cruelty after fleeing Nazi persecution. Their fragile return to safety shatters when authorities, hiding behind the facade of child welfare, snatch eight-year-old Jana from her parents, subjecting her to a grim childhood in orphanages and foster homes. This harrowing tale draws from a dark chapter in Swiss history, revealing how over 700 Gypsy children were systematically uprooted by the state-sponsored Pro Juventute program between 1926 and 1972. Egger's film blends stark realism with emotional depth, capturing the resilience of the human spirit amidst systemic injustice.
With a haunting atmosphere and themes of displacement and survival, *Children of the Open Road* challenges viewers to confront a lesser-known tragedy. The performances by Jasmin Tabatabai, Andrea Eckert, and Hans Peter Korff anchor this fictionalized account in raw authenticity, transforming a forgotten history into a compelling cinematic experience that lingers long after the credits roll.