A Hero's Welcome In Bosnia For Award-Winning Romany Actor

Bosnian Romany actor Nazif Mujic returns home to the village of Svatovci with his prize from Berlin -- the Silver Bear.

Before he and his wife were asked to play themselves in the film, Mujic made a living by collecting scrap metal.

Neighbors rolled out the red carpet for the prize-winning actor.

Mujic told RFE/RL that the message of the film is that "ethnicity, religion, confession…is not important.  What's important is to be a human being. If you cut your finger, the blood will be the same, regardless of religion and faith."

Mujic greets his daughter.

Mujic with his wife and co-star in the low-budget movie, which featured no professional actors.

The couple were denied emergency treatment at a hospital because they could not afford the costs -- a situation that the film's director describes as "deeply disturbing and unfair."

Mujic with the community chairman of Svatovci

The village of Svatovci is inhabited by Bosnian Roma, who often suffer from poverty and discrimination.

Mujic, Alimanovic, and their daughter pose in front of their house.

In spite of his success in his film debut, Mujic says he will continue to collect scrap metal to make a living. "My message to government institutions is -- hire me!" he said.

The couple's daughter shows off the Silver Bear award.

"My whole family, my wife and children -- none of us have health insurance," Mujic said.

"My wife Senada and I will continue to fight," Mujic said.