Roma, Rhizomes and Roots in Rough Soil: Cultivating Trans-Territoriality in Law and Film

Abstract

Using the metaphor of the rhizomatic plant I will explore reflections on trans-territoriality in law and film. The concept of Deleuze and Guattari’s rhizomes provides a useful metaphor for ‘mapping’ the complex relationship between people and territory; just as rhizomatic stems propagate an interlocking section of shoots which spread and diverge in the soil, rather than perpetuate a single growth from a unitary root. I will argue that there is the potential to construct new versions of legalities attendant to rhizomatic constructions of trans-territoriality through an analysis of a Romani film in the context of international law. This paper will thus propose the development away from a nomadic ‘lex specialis’ – whilst observing the potentialities implicit in such an approach ; drawing on aspects of international law in order to focus on trans-territoriality as a means of legitimising a recognition of rhizomatic belonging, in which ‘roots’ can be gardened through cultivation rather than enclosure.