Monday film: Quo Vadis, Aida?

Aida works as an interpreter for the United Nations in Srebrenica, Bosnia during the civil war in Yugoslavia. In spite of the fact that the area has been declared a «safe zone», the Serbian military forces are closing in. It becomes increasingly clear that the UN will not be coming to the aid of the civilian population and that a peaceful solution is not on the Serbs’ agenda. Aida has no option but to take action herself in order to save her husband and sons.

The genocide in Srebrenica in 1995 is to this day one of the most infamous blemishes in the history of the United Nations, and is still an extremely inflammatory matter in the former Yugoslavia. Many deny that the genocide ever took place, but the fact is that 8,372 men and boys were murdered. The horrific events here are depicted through the story of a battle ready mother and wife, compellingly embodied by the main character, Jasna Djuricic. WithQuo Vadis, Aida, director Jasmila Žbanić is able to convey a deeply personal story while providing a comprehensive insight into historical events. This is a crucial, must-see film that is so masterfully executed that it is impossible to look away even though we are aware of what atrocities await.