Director
Harun Mahmedinović
Synopsis: The genocide in Srebrenica, which took place in July 1995, was the culmination of long-term systematic persecution and violence against the Bosniak population in Bosnia and Herzegovina. During the war, Bosniak men were particularly targeted victims, given their key role in the defense of their communities. Serbian forces, as part of the ethnic cleansing operation, carried out brutal massacres in which men of all ages, from teenagers to the elderly, were systematically killed. In Srebrenica, which was supposed to be a safe zone under UN protection, Serbian forces massacred more than 8,000 men and boys, further deepening the trauma and suffering of the surviving families and communities. This act of genocide represented not only physical destruction but also profound emotional and cultural devastation, leaving lasting effects on all aspects of the survivors’ lives.
The film “Srebrenica: 30 Years Later” is a documentary project that investigates the tragic events of the genocide in Srebrenica through the intimate stories of survivors, witnesses and experts. The project will focus on human stories, emotional confessions and the long-term consequences of genocide on the community. Through a combination of archival footage, interviews and artistic reconstructions, we will provide a deep insight into one of the darkest moments in modern history.
Cooperation - Role of the Memorial Center
Memorial Center Srebrenica-Potočari
The Srebrenica-Potočari Memorial Center occupies a central place in our film, not only as a place of remembrance for the victims of genocide, but also as a symbol of the permanent fight against forgetting and denial. Through cooperation with the Center, the film will show his efforts in preserving the truth, documenting crimes and educating future generations. Through intimate depictions of visits from families and young people from all over the world, the Memorial Center becomes a powerful reminder of the importance of memory and active struggle for justice, while the film serves as a tool for global awareness and education about the dangers of extremism.
Memorialization and Promotion of the Srebrenica Narrative
This film has a profound role in preserving the memory of the victims of the genocide in Srebrenica. The film is not only a way to pay tribute to the victims, but also to convey the message to the world about the need for continuous work for justice. Through this project, our goal is to stimulate reflection, empathy and raise global awareness of the importance of fighting against forgetting and denying crimes.
Duration: 120 minutes or a series of eight episodes
Narrative focus of the film and perspective
The film will focus on the stories of survivors and victims’ families, providing emotional depth and insight into the experiences of people who survived the genocide. The perspective will be told through their eyes, to ensure an authentic portrayal of their pain, loss and fight for justice. This approach allows the audience to connect on a deeper, human level.
Visual and cinematic style
The film will use a combination of archival footage, interviews and reconstructions of key moments, creating a powerful and visually impressive presentation. Using this style, the film will ensure that viewers not only understand the history, but also experience it emotionally. The focus on strong cinematography and carefully selected footage will further enhance the impression.
Partnership with the Srebrenica Memorial Center
This documentary project will directly support the work of the Srebrenica Memorial Center, which plays a key role in preserving the memory of the genocide and educating about its consequences. The memorial center is not only a place of remembrance, but also a vital institution for educating future generations about the horrific crimes that took place in Srebrenica. His mission is to ensure that the truth about the genocide is never forgotten and that these tragic events are passed on to the youth, in order to prevent the recurrence of such crimes in the future.
Cooperation with the Memorial Center is invaluable for this film, as it will provide direct access to authentic materials, testimonies and archives that will enrich the film’s narrative. The Center acts as a custodian of historical evidence, including archival footage, photographs and documents, which are crucial to providing a complete and credible account of the genocide. The partnership with the Center will allow the film to remain deeply rooted in facts and real experiences, thereby further enhancing its authenticity and importance.
In addition, this project will help expand the reach of the Center, enabling survivors and witnesses to share their experiences with a global audience. This will ensure that the voices of those who survived the genocide receive an international echo, and awareness of the crime will be further raised around the world. The donation of archival material, interviews and other content recorded as part of this project to the Center will not only enrich its collection, but will also enable future generations to access these valuable testimonies and use them for educational purposes.
This collaboration represents a synergy between an artistic and an educational approach, with the aim of preserving the truth through film and the work of the Memorial Center and ensuring that the genocide in Srebrenica is never forgotten.
All interviews for the project will be donated to the Srebrenica Memorial Center in their full, unaltered form.
Historical Context
The film will provide a brief introduction to this context, highlighting not only the events of 1995, but also the wider political and social significance that still resonates today.
High relevance of the documentary film about Srebrenica
Although almost three decades have passed since the genocide in Srebrenica, this film remains extremely timely and relevant, especially in today’s political context of Bosnia and Herzegovina. At a time when we are witnessing the rise of nationalism, extremism and political polarization throughout BiH, the film about Srebrenica has the potential to serve as a powerful warning about the dangers of hatred, intolerance and division within the country. These problems, which have already led to tragic consequences in the past, are on the rise again, making the film a timely response to current political and social challenges.
It is especially important at this moment, considering the worrying attempts of revisionism within BiH, where through political and social discourses attempts are made to minimize or even deny crimes like the genocide in Srebrenica. In this context, the film will emphasize the importance of fighting against such trends, while at the same time providing a platform for confronting the past, necessary for building a stable future. Preserving the truth and memory is key to preventing such crimes from happening again, and the film will play an important role in that.
Revisionism through silence
Why true documentary film projects about Srebrenica are rare and necessary – Lack of similar film projects: Although almost three decades have passed since the genocide in Srebrenica, there is an astonishing lack of film and educational projects dealing with this topic, especially in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the wider Balkans, and the European context. This deficiency is not only worrying but also a serious historical problem. Memories of Srebrenica and other war crimes are often marginalized or reduced to annual commemorations, leading to the misconception that the past is “resolved” and that no further research and teaching on these topics is necessary.
This fallacy supports the dangerous tendencies of revisionism and denial, which opens the door to the re-invigoration of bigotry and division. The lack of projects like this creates a vacuum in which the younger generations do not have adequate access to true information about the events of the past.
Films and educational materials are key tools for preserving historical truth and preventing forgetting. When there are no similar projects that comprehensively and emotionally powerfully investigate the genocide in Srebrenica, we risk that the genocide, war crimes and their consequences are minimized, misrepresented or even completely forgotten.
Our project not only fills that gap, but also offers an opportunity to open a new dialogue and illuminate key historical lessons, thereby preventing the repetition of past mistakes.
International significance
This film will not only be a story about Bosnia and Herzegovina, but also a global reminder of the dangers of nationalism, revisionism and genocide denial. Through the prism of Srebrenica, the film will point to the universal values of justice, human rights and the importance of memory, while at the same time it will carry a strong message about the need for reconciliation and prevention of future conflicts.
General Objectives
The overall goal of the film about Srebrenica is to raise awareness of the genocide, strengthen empathy through the testimonies of survivors, and emphasize the importance of education and remembrance in order to prevent future crimes.
- Education: Increase awareness of the genocide in Srebrenica among young people and the general public. In addition to touching the audience emotionally, the film will also have an educational character. Through authentic stories of survivors and expert analysis, the film will provide young people and the general public with a deeper understanding of what happened in July 1995. Education is key to preserving memories and preventing forgetting, and the film will be a valuable resource for schools, universities and organizations dealing with human rights.
- Empathy: To provide a platform for survivors to share their stories and experiences. The emphasis will be on creating empathy for those who have suffered unimaginable losses, and on understanding the long-term consequences of genocide on individuals, families and communities. Viewers will have the opportunity to hear first-hand testimonies, which will help them develop a deeper sense of compassion and solidarity.
- Comprehension: Help the audience understand the context of dehumanization in which crimes against humanity and genocide became possible.
- Prevention: Emphasize the importance of preventing genocide and crimes against humanity through education and remembrance. The strong message of the film will be a call to responsibility and action, to ensure the protection of human rights and prevent similar tragedies from happening again in the future.
- Memory: One of the key goals of the film is to preserve the memory of the victims of genocide. This film will serve as a lasting testament to the courage, pain and loss of those who survived and those who did not. The memory of victims and survivors will be at the center of the narrative, and the film will contribute to the preservation of collective memory, in order to prevent revisionism and genocide denial.
- Justice: The film will also aim to emphasize the importance of seeking justice for victims and their families. Through documenting court processes and the work of institutions such as the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY), the film will show the importance of international judicial mechanisms in ensuring justice. Justice is not only punishing the perpetrators, but also acknowledging the suffering of the victims and their families.
- Educational resource: The film will be designed as an educational resource to be used in universities, high schools and among non-governmental organizations around the world. The goal is not only to document history, but also to provide a tool that educators can use in teaching about genocide, human rights, war crimes, and international law. The film will be a vehicle to encourage discussions on these key topics.
Project structure
- Introduction: The film will begin with a short but detailed overview of the historical context and events that led to the genocide in Srebrenica. This segment will provide viewers with the necessary framework to understand the political and social dynamics that led to the crime. Using a narrator and key documents, this section will allow the audience to prepare for the emotional testimonies that follow.
- Testimonies: Interviews with survivors, victims’ families and experts will be the heart of the film. Through their stories, the film will show the human dimension of the tragedy, giving a voice to those directly affected by the genocide. This segment will not only document the horrific events, but also allow the audience to develop deep empathy and understanding, ensuring that the voices of the survivors are recorded forever.
- Archive material: The use of archive footage and photographs will contribute to the authenticity and documentary character of the film. This section will allow the events to be presented from a historical perspective, and archival materials will be carefully incorporated to highlight the key moments of the genocide. This material will also serve as a visual link between the past and the present.
- Reconstructions: Artistic reconstructions of key moments, filmed in authentic locations, will serve as a powerful visual tool for depicting the emotional and historical aspects of the genocide. This segment will use modern film techniques and technology to portray the most important moments as authentically as possible, creating an emotional connection between the past and the viewers. The use of high-quality cameras will provide visual power that will enhance the impression.
- Conclusion: The film will end with a reflection on the current situation in Srebrenica, an analysis of the current political situation, the process of reconciliation and memory. This segment will provide an opportunity to consider how the past continues to shape the present, emphasizing the importance of preserving memory and fighting revisionism
Story flow based on field production
Story development note
The natural evolution of the narrative will be shaped in the field. Although the structure of the film will be carefully planned, it should be emphasized that the most authentic and poignant elements of the story will only come to light through the actual implementation of the project. The development of the film, especially through interviews with survivors and field shooting in authentic locations, will naturally bring unexpected moments that will further enrich the narrative.
Documentaries like this one often reveal the deepest layers of the story only when the project starts to be realized on the ground, which will allow the film to adapt even more to the reality it portrays. Therefore, although the basic structure is set, the key moments that will capture the audience’s attention will be developed based on authentic experiences and events recorded during the production.
First Phase of the Project
Budget for Development &
Proof-of-Concept Filming
Equipment and rental
$3,000
Archiving (hard disks and LTO tapes)
$5,000
Preliminary Interviews and Recordings
$12,000
Logistics & Travel
$5,000
Total (Initial Funds for Development)
$25,000
This budget is intended as an initial, “baseline” budget that covers the key costs necessary to get the project off the ground. The initial budget represents the minimum basic amount needed to start the project and covers the key elements of the production. The amount has been estimated extremely conservatively to ensure that basic costs can be covered, and additional funding will be required for completion and additional improvements at all stages.
This budget is intended as a basic framework, with the aim of enabling filming to begin, while further grants will be sought to ensure all technical requirements and additional production work.
Further Financing Plan:
● Additional Grants and Funds: Application for additional funds from domestic and international foundations.
● Partnerships: Cooperation with non-governmental organizations, educational institutions and media companies.
Distribution Plan:
The film will be carefully executed to achieve maximum impact through various channels of distribution and audience engagement. Our goal is to contribute to wider awareness through media coverage, film screenings at festivals, and via digital platforms, which will reach a wider international audience.
The project will be shown at national and international film festivals, television channels, and available on online platforms. We also plan to organize special screenings in schools and universities throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina and the rest of the region.
Effectiveness: The film will be designed not only to inform, but also to act as a catalyst for change in society. Its effectiveness will be measured through several key aspects:
● Impact on education: As an educational tool, the film will be used in universities, high schools, and in educational and non-governmental organizations. Measurable success will be the number of institutions that incorporate it into their curricula, as well as feedback from students and faculty about its impact on their understanding of genocide and human rights.
● Awareness: The film will have a broad distribution plan, including screenings at film festivals, in schools, on television and streaming platforms. Effectiveness can be assessed through the number of views, media coverage, and the amount of discussion and reaction on social networks and public forums.
Comparable/reference films
“Shoah” (1985) directed by Claude Lanzmann
Shoah , directed by Claude Lanzmann, released in 1985, lasts almost 10 hours and is considered one of the most important documentaries about the Holocaust. What sets it apart is not only its length, but also Lanzmann’s specific approach — the film relies exclusively on the testimonies of survivors, witnesses, perpetrators and other actors, without dramatization. With this, he created a unique film experience that conveys the essence of the horror of genocide through personal stories, emphasizing the human dimension of the tragedy.
With the film Shoah, Lanzmann set high standards for documentaries about traumatic historical events, insisting on the importance of authentic stories and direct testimonies, which our film about Srebrenica also strives to achieve.
The documentary film Shoah is extremely important because it has become a key educational tool in understanding the Holocaust, not only because of its detailed narrative, but also because of Lanzmann’s ability to capture the deep emotional pain and moral weight of these testimonies. The film was often used in educational programs, and its lasting legacy lies in enabling generations to learn about the genocide through the first-hand accounts of those who survived it, ensuring that those memories are not lost.
Unfortunately, so far no film project in Bosnia and Herzegovina has covered the genocide in Srebrenica through direct testimonies that explore the wider human, historical and social dimension of this tragedy, which has been echoing for decades. Our film about Srebrenica seeks to fill that void. In the spirit of Lanzmann’s approach in the film Shoah , our goal is, in a similar way, to provide a space for the survivors of the genocide in Srebrenica to share their testimonies. This approach not only documents the events of the genocide, but also explores more deeply how these events shaped the lives of the survivors and the wider society.
Unlike previous films, our film will encompass the complexity and scale of the genocide, not limited to July 11, 1995, but also to the long-term consequences that have been affecting the survivors and Bosnian society for three decades. Its importance lies in contributing to historical memory and education, ensuring that crimes like this never happen again.
The international significance of the film and its role in preserving memory according to the UN Resolution from 2024
Our planned film about Srebrenica will have exceptional international importance, especially in light of the United Nations Resolution from 2024, which reaffirms the global obligation to preserve the memory of the genocide in Srebrenica and preventing similar crimes in the future. This resolution emphasizes the need for genocide education and the fight against denial and revisionism, making our film a key medium for raising awareness and strengthening international dialogue. The film will not only document tragic events and personal stories, but will also serve as a platform for spreading universal values such as human rights, justice and responsibility.
In a global context, the film will be particularly important for international institutions, educational programs and civil society, contributing to efforts to recognize and understand genocide in the wider fight against crimes against humanity. Its importance transcended regional borders, because it reminds the world of the obligation to the victims and survivors of Srebrenica and the importance of international cooperation in the prevention of future genocides. In accordance with the goals of the UN Resolution, our film will play a key role in promoting education and remembrance of Srebrenica, serving as a permanent reminder of the importance of global solidarity in the fight for justice and peace.
Target audience
The film about Srebrenica has a wide and diverse target audience, and each segment of the audience can have a specific and significant impact.
- The primary audience includes young people in Bosnia and Herzegovina, who did not witness the war events of the 1990s, but bear the responsibility to preserve the memory of the past and ensure that similar tragedies do not happen again. The film will be intended for educational institutions, as a tool for lectures and discussions about genocide, human rights and peace processes, providing young people with a deeper insight into the past of their country.
- Another key group is the general public in BiH and the region, where the film will serve as a reminder of tragic events and a call to responsibility. At a time when we are facing the rise of revisionism and denial, the film will remind us of the necessity of preserving truth and memory. Because of the emotional power of the survivors’ testimonies, the film will act as a bridge that connects different generations and perspectives, encouraging empathy and understanding.
- In addition, the international audience is an important target group. The film has the potential to educate people outside the Balkans about the genocide in Srebrenica, which is often insufficiently known or misinterpreted in the global media. Through international film festivals, digital platforms and cooperation with human rights organizations, the film will spread universal messages about the prevention of genocide and the importance of global remembrance of crimes against humanity.
- The film is also directed towards the communities of the survivors and their families. This audience will recognize the film as a vital part of the process of preserving memories and empowering their voices. Through this work, survivors will have the opportunity to share their experiences and raise awareness of the long-term consequences of genocide, in order to build solidarity and understanding around the world. The focus is on conveying the message of reconciliation, justice and resistance to revisionism, while at the same time reminding of the universal importance of preserving peace.
In this way, the film will act not only as a tool for education, but also as a means to create empathy and support the process of reconciliation, both in BiH and at the global level.
About the Director
Harun Mehmedinović
Harun Mehmedinović is a Bosnian film director, screenwriter and photographer, known for his visually striking works and deep themes. Born in Sarajevo, he survived the siege of the city during the war. In the United States, he continued his education at the American Film Institute (AFI), one of the most prestigious film schools in the world. His graduation film In the Name of the Son , which deals with themes of war, trauma and loss, qualified for an Oscar in the short film category. Harun also worked on the notable documentary Ice on Fir e, which he produced and shot, and the film was narrated by Leonardo DiCaprio. Harun’s works and the globally successful SKYGLOW project have been published in National
Geographic, BBC, Time Magazine and many other prestigious publications, earning Harun international recognition.
Conclusion: “Srebrenica: 30 Years Later” is more than a documentary; it is a call to action and remembrance. Through this project, we want to ensure that the tragedy of Srebrenica is never forgotten and that similar crimes are never repeated. The planned film is extremely important because it sheds light on one of the darkest moments in recent European history, the genocide in Srebrenica, through the personal stories of survivors and witnesses.
Our film, similar to the Shoah , will be based on the testimonies of survivors, witnesses and those who lost their loved ones, without dramatization, which will provide an authentic and unfiltered depiction of the genocide in Srebrenica. This method allows the human dimension of the tragedy to be conveyed in the deepest possible way, creating an emotional connection between the audience and those who talk about their experiences. This approach fills a key gap in documentaries about Srebrenica, as it enables an understanding not only of what happened, but also how that event shaped the lives of the survivors and society as a whole in the years that followed.
Harun Mehmedinović
Director/Producer/Cinematographer
Suki Medencević, ASC
Director of Photography
Hasan Nuhanović
Advisor