In this study, the determinative effects of prejudice-based disadvantage factors frequently emphasised in relation to Roma living in Hungary are analysed. For this purpose, the individual life stories of protagonists appearing in documentary films produced in the AntRom Filmműhely (University of Debrecen), as well as the analysis of community processes observed in various local societies, are utilised. The aforementioned disadvantage factors (e.g. ethnic origin, gender, family and socio-cultural background, education, labour-market status, housing) are understood to shape, both individually and collectively, the expectations and future opportunities of the individuals concerned. The aim of the study is to make visible how, and under what conditions, a life different from the “expected” can be realised.