Movie Encore in Romania

On April 14, 2022, the documentary film “A Thousand Dollars and Back” was shown in Sânnicolau Mare, Romania at an event sponsored by the Mayor’s Office and the House of Culture at historic Nakó Castle. It was especially meaningful that it was held in Sânnicolau Mare because that is the hometown of many families whose stories and photos were featured in the film.

After the film viewing, Alexandra Irimia facilitated a discussion in English and Romanian with director Vicki Albu and a group of viewers in Minnesota, including some of the descendants whose interviews were featured in the movie. The U.S. group watched the film at the studios of Town Square Television in Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota. A few tears were shed on both sides of the ocean as the group in Minnesota and the live movie audience in Romania could see each other on screen. It was a family reunion of sorts. Vă mulțumesc tuturor pentru această reuniune semnificativă! Ne-am bucurat să vedem prietenii și membrii familiei. Prin aceste eforturi depășim distanța dintre noi.

Thanks to all who made this possible, including Primaria Sannicolau Mare, Adriana Luchin, Gheorghe Mandran, Sannicolau.TV and Town Square Television. The Emmy-nominated documentary film was created in 2014 by volunteers of Romanian Genealogy Society and Heritage Organization of Romanian Americans in Minnesota (HORA) with a grant obtained by HORA from Minnesota Historical and Cultural Heritage Grants, funded by the State of Minnesota. And of course, we would not have had the film if it had not been for people who provided interviews, stories, photos and documents!

Film is Shown in Romania

A Thousand Dollars and Back had its European premiere on November 28, 2019 at a Cultural Heritage Night in Timisoara. Alexandra Irimia, the well-known Timisoara Tour Guide, facilitated the showing of the movie and moderated a discussion following the screening of the film. Read more about the event on the sponsor’s website.

Now plans are underway to show the movie again in Sannicolau Mare, possibly in April. Follow A Thousand Dollars and Back’s Facebook page for updates.

A Thousand Dollars and Back Continues to Resonate

The 2014 documentary film, “A Thousand Dollars and Back: Recollections of Early Romanian Immigration to Minnesota” strikes a chord whenever it is viewed for the first time. Whether your ancestors came from Romania or another country, the stories are the same: the mixed emotions of hope and sorrow when starting a new life; adjusting to new languages, cultures and customs; discovering opportunities and finding one’s purpose; and paving the way for the success of future generations.

In December 2017 we received a letter with a familiar message: “Watching this film, I saw myself in East Chicago and Indiana Harbor as a child growing up in the 1930s and 40s. What courage! Leaving one’s homeland, the security of family and friends, to journey to an unknown land– America!” It has been a rewarding experience to document the stories of just a few of the thousands who came from what is now Romania to make their homes in the United States. May their memories be eternal.

Coming to Canton, Ohio – July 16, 2017

Romanian Genealogy Society will bring “A Thousand Dollars and Back” to Canton, Ohio this summer for a special showing and a presentation on Researching Romanian Roots. Please RSVP by phone at (330) 492-8413 or by email at annf@rcdcanton.org.

Thank you to St. George Romanian Byzantine Catholic Cathedral for this invitation.

Sunday, July 16, 2017 at 1:00 p.m.
Join us for liturgy at 10:00 with coffee and donuts to follow at noon.
St. George Catholic Cathedral
1121 44th Street NE, Canton, Ohio

This will be of interest to Romanian-Americans, family historians, and anyone who has immigrant ancestors. There is no admission fee; however, reservations are a must as seating is limited. Please bring a covered dish and/or something to drink that can be shared with the group.

• Documentary film: “A Thousand Dollars and Back” (60 minutes)
• Brief discussion, Q & A
• Romanian Genealogy Society presentation: “Tracing Romanian Roots”
• Local Romanasul dancers
• Potluck dinner
• Dancing and music

Members of the Minnesota Romanian-American community will present the film, “A Thousand Dollars and Back: Recollections of Early Romanian Immigration to Minnesota.” This documentary tells the story of Romanian immigration to the Twin Cities of Minnesota from the early 1900s through excerpts of interviews with children and grandchildren of the early immigrants. The movie received an Emmy nomination.

The film was created by Romanian Genealogy Society (RGS) and the Heritage Organization of Romanian Americans in Minnesota (HORA) in 2014 with funds from the Minnesota Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund (“Legacy Grants”) program. Copies of the DVD will be available for purchase.

 

See the movie again

We have been invited to show the movie again at the Rondo Community Library at 461 North Dale Street in Saint Paul, MN on Saturday, April 23, 2016 at 1:30 p.m. Admission is free, but seating is limited, so if you plan to join us, please arrive early to get a good seat.

1:30   Welcome and Introductions (RGS and HORA)

2:00   Movie Presentation

3:00   Audience Comments

3:30   Social Hour and Refreshments

Learn about the history of the Romanian community in Minnesota and about the activities of two local organizations who aim to preserve it.

Questions? Email info@romaniangenealogy.com or romanianimmigration@gmail.com

Presented by:

Romanian Genealogy Society

Heritage Organization of Romanian Americans in Minnesota

Museum Exhibit

A  museum exhibit called the “Romanian Immigrant Experience” was installed to coincide with the movie premiere of “A Thousand Dollars and Back” on September 27, 2014. This exhibit will be on display through the end of the year at Dakota County Historical Society, 130 Third Avenue North, in South St. Paul, Minnesota 55075. (Check museum hours at www.dakotahistory.org or by calling 651.552.7548.)

Here are a few images from the exhibit.

Trailer for Video “A Thousand Dollars and Back”

We are proud to introduce the trailer ( a “sneak peek”) for “A Thousand Dollars and Home: Recollections of Early Romanian Immigration to Minnesota.” Please join us for the Premiere on Saturday, September 27 (details under the “Events” tab on this site.) We are also offering copies of the DVD for sale.