Guri Rusten

Bravehearts of Herzegovina

In cooperation with Nansen Dialogue Center in Mostar and Mostar Rock School, the Norwegian Embassy in Sarajevo organized the screening of Norwegian documentary “Bravehearts” directed by Kari Anne Moe in Cultural center Abrašević in Mostar on Wednesday.

The film talks about 4 young Norwegians, members of different political parties and their preparations for the upcoming high-school/municipal elections.

The center was packed with young people from all over Herzegovina – Mostar, Trebinje, Nevesinje, Ljubinje, Jablanica, Konjic, Berković, Čitluk, Stolac, Široki brijeg. The screening was followed by a discussion moderated by Leo Ajkić, Bosnian-Norwegian, and Lara Rashid, survivor from Utøya, originally from Iraq. The topic of the discussion was how to fight hatred after a war, how youngsters could influence their future and stand up for what they believe in.

In Lara’s words, “I have chosen to remember the terrible thing that happened at Utøya, but also to move forward with these experiences in my luggage. That's how one can move on, and not forget”.

The last part of the event was a concert of Mostar Rock School.

The whole event was followed by the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation, NRK, who is filming a documentary with Leo Ajkic focusing on young people and hope, as well as BHT.

Again, to finish with Lara’s words, “I have decided to stick to love. Hate is too great a burden to bear”.