ZENICA VIDEO LETTERS [Main Title]

Compilation of video letters from the children's home in Zenica. 1. Elvedin – a seven year old boy who lives in the children's home in Zenica, he's from Doboj where he lived with his mother until 1992. He is writing a letter to his mother, who left for Germany when war broke out. 'Dear mum, I had forgotten your name, and then I remembered your name was Halifa. I always called you Mum. I am seven years old and I live in the orphanage in Zenica. I haven't seen you for a long time. I dream of your hair and your arms holding me. I have many friends. I'll start going to school soon. I learned to draw and write, I made this drawing for you. Our house, clouds, snow drops, ground… I hope you can come soon so that you can take me to school as other mothers take their children. Have you forgotten me? Come quickly so your Elvedin can see you, so that he can hug and kiss you.' Footage of Elvedin on his own in a play room, showing his drawing and talking to the camera. 2. Azra and Emina – Two sisters among 180 children who live at the children's home in Zenica. Azra is nine and her sister Emina is six. They came to the orphanage after their parents were killed in the war in 1992. Azra speaks for both sisters. 'When I get up in the morning I wash myself, I clean my teeth, brush my hair and then go to school. When I come back from school I must do my homework and study. After that I go out and play. My sister and I, we sometimes play with dolls and everything, and when we've had enough playing, darkness comes it's time for dinner. I have written this poem for my mummy and daddy: My Dreams Sometimes I think I no longer dream, Because what is the use of dreams without mum and dad? My greatest dream is that my mum and dad will come back, And I cry without tears, because what is the use of tears, When there is nobody to wipe them away? And what is the use of dreams If I have nobody to give them to? And my little sister Emina pulls at my sleeve and asks; "Azra, where am I in all this?" And I tell her; "Emina, you are my greatest dream." Footage shows the girls looking out of a window with sad expressions, the girls walking to a park, playing in the park and sitting together in their room while Azra recites her poem. 3. Samel – Nine year old boy living at the children's home in Zeneca. He is writing to his mother who he has never met. 'Dear mum, I'm nine now, do you ever think of me? I've grown up quite a lot, I'm in the second grade at school. I'm a good student, have a good teacher and tutors. I feel good here, but dear mum, I miss you. Nothing in this world can replace you. I know you're beautiful and good even though I never met you. I wish I could touch your warm and gentle hand on my head. I wish we were together. I know there's a war here, but when the war is over, brighter days will come. I hope you will also come and take me away. Dear mother, come, so I can tell you I love you.' Footage shows Samel sitting alone on escape stairs outside and in a classroom. 4. Nijaz – 13 year old boy living at the children's home in Zenica. He's writing to his friend Damir who left Bosnia in 1992 and now lives in Switzerland. 'Hello Damir, it's been three years since we last saw each other. I'm sorry you left Bosnia, I think about you. Do you remember those summer days we used to go swimming, we played ball and when we played tag and hide-and-seek? Now you're not here I have nobody to play with, I'm sad that we're longer in the same class. I'm going to the fourth grade now and my favourite subject is art. I would like you to come back as soon as possible so we can play together again, in peace.' Footage shows Nijaz in his room drawing a picture of a tank and soldier with a gun (of war). 5. Fikreta, Samija and Dzemila – three teenage girls who share the same apartment at the children's home in Zenica. Through the war, each girl has been separated from someone she loves. Fikreta – 14 and originally from Lenica. She is writing to her friend Masa, who left Bosnia for Switzerland in 1992. 'Dear Masa, it's been three years since you left for Switzerland and we have stayed here to suffer. First, I'd like to ask how you are and what you're doing? I'm well, I'm going to the seventh grade and I'm a good student. Mathematics is my favourite subject. We were shelled here before, but no more. They were shelling us from Vlasic. Masa, do you remember when we used to play different games, like elastics, when we played tag and hide and seek? Masa, I waited for your letter for a long time but I never received it. Every week we go to the theatre with our teacher to watch different plays. I appeared on stage at the National Theatre; I hope you haven't forgotten that place. I was proud when I was on stage. My greatest wish is the war quietens down and that you return and I'd like to send my love to all my friends.' Samija is 17 and is writing to her mother who's living in Duvno. They last saw each other in 1992 before the war. She tells her she's getting on well at school, talks about the games she plays and that she hopes the war will soon calm down so they can see each other again and spend time at the beach as they did before. Dzemila is 15 and from Gorazde, she is writing to brother who is now in Sarajevo. She says she is alive and well, but would prefer to be with her relatives. Her greatest wish is for the war to end and to return to her birthplace. Footage shows all three girls playing the elastics game (like skipping ropes), with each girl having her turn at jumping while they speak. Please note: video diary number 4 on the list below (Igor) was not seen on the tape when viewed. WM - 21/05/2019

1. SANEL 2. ELVEDIN 3. AZRA 4. IGOR 5. NIJAZ 6. THREE GIRLS

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