It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of U. Roberto (Robin) Romano on November 1, 2013. According to Julia Perez, his Associate Director on The Harvest/La Cosecha, Robin died at home of complications related to Lyme Disease.
Robin was a tireless advocate for vulnerable children. He documented child labor globally in countries including Brazil, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Nepal, Pakistan, Mexico, the Ivory Coast and the United States. He was an accomplished still photographer and his photos are archived at the Human Rights Institute at the University of Connecticut.
Prior to directing and shooting The Harvest/La Cosecha, Robin’s film projects included Death of a Slave Boy, Globalization and Human Rights for PBS, The Dark Side of Chocolate, and the feature documentary, Stolen Childhoods, which led to the Rugmark campaign to counter child labor in the carpet industry through its label certifying that child labor was not used. Robin was recognized as a global expert on child labor and spoke frequently at conventions, conferences, and as a guest lecturer at universities.
Shine is very grateful to Robin for his hard work on The Harvest/La Cosecha and the dedication to the child migrants and their families that he demonstrated while shooting it. He worked under very challenging circumstances with sensitivity and passion and took pride in the film’s contribution to Congressional efforts to pass the CARE Act that would have provided these children additional protections. We are proud to have worked with him.
There will be a private family service and a later memorial service for Robin, the date of which is not yet determined.