by Hannah Coleman
Welcome to Sarajevo, 1997
Taking its inspiration from British war correspondent Michal Nicholson’s memoir, ‘Natasha’ Story’, the film focuses on the reporters who willingly entered the city. Nicholson (portrayed by Stephen Dillane as reporter Michael Henderson) feels compelled to shine the light on those civilians (specifically children) who cannot escape their plight. He fights to get a nearly abandoned orphanage to feature on prime time Western news, and eventually manages to gather enough support to try and get the children to safety.
No Man’s Land, 2001
This is the film that I come back to, time and time again. It perfectly captures the absurdity of war with its use of black humour and heart-breaking tragedy. Written and directed by Oscar winner Danis Tonović, and starring Branko Đurić (the Bosnian love child of John Cleese and Bono), this is a must watch for anyone visiting Sarajevo who wants a brief summary of the conflict and the people involved.
Pretty Village, Pretty Flame (Lepa Sela Lepo Gore), 1996
Directed by Srđan Dragojević, Pretty Village, Pretty Flame depicts a small group of Serbian soldiers trapped in a tunnel surrounded by Bosniak forces. The film explores a very common theme within the war; when your friend becomes your enemy. To me, this film is very much made in a way that is typical of Yugoslav films. It focuses heavily on character and story line, can sometimes be a little slow (and certainly bizarre) in places, and has a Balkan sense of humour running through its veins. But that mix is just right.
Grbavica (Esma’s Secret), 2006
The rape of women by soldiers during the war was a horrific yet widespread issue. Many of these women gave birth to their babies, and faced the internal struggle of living with such a traumatic conception. Esma is such a baby, forcibly brought into the world through unspeakable circumstances, yet unmistakably a child of post-war Bosnia, and a child of the future. This bleak film by Jasmila Žbanić, follows Esma and their mother as they try to live as best they can in the Sarajevo suburb of Grbavica.
Underground, 1995
Emir Kusturica helms this surreal visual and audial feast set over five decades of Yugoslav history. This is hands down one of the craziest films I’ve ever seen, but it’s wonderful. The music (written by Goran Bregović) is a furious mess of Balkan brass and passion, and gleefully takes centre stage alongside the actors. So put down your history books, pick up some popcorn and enjoy.
Taken from: http://visitsarajevo.info/five-films-about-the-siege-of-sarajevo-and-the-bosnian-war/
(Source: visitsarajevo)
