Waters of the Green

Ismet is a young boy when he learns about the conflict between his people, the Bosniaks, and the Serbs. Living in Serbia with his family, he sees police brutality firsthand and witnesses the murder of his father by Serbian police during the Bosnian War. Deeply traumatized, Ismet and his mother flee Serbia during the Kosovo Crisis and settle in Sarajevo. However, his past haunts him, making daily life difficult. Ismet's mental health issues force him to take a break from university, and a panic attack at his new job triggers memories of past trauma. Surprisingly, it's his Serbian neighbor, who shares the same name as his father's killer, who helps him on his path to recovery. This story shows the lingering effects of prejudice and war, the struggle with PTSD, and the unexpected ways healing can happen. Despite the darkness of his past, Ismet finds hope and support, even from someone linked to his painful memories. It's a tale of resilience, showing how history shapes us and how we can find light even in the darkest times. Mirza Klimenta's portrayal of Ismet is more than a simple retelling of the atrocities of war and its consequences. It is a shining example of human resilience, the ability to overcome trauma, and a testament that, no matter what has happened, better times can and will come.