Quo Vadis, Aida? 2021

Srebrenica Declared a UN Safety Zone

In 1993, after enduring three and a half years under siege, the town of Srebrenica in northeastern Bosnia and Herzegovina is declared a UN safety zone. This declaration aims to provide a secure refuge for civilians amidst the escalating violence of the Bosnian War.

Serbian Troops Launch Attack

In July 1995, Serbian troops launch a significant attack on Srebrenica, breaching the safety zone and putting the lives of thousands of civilians at grave risk. The attack leads to chaos as families scramble for safety and try to find refuge in any secure location.

Aida Seeks Safety for Her Family

Amidst the chaos, Aida, a schoolteacher and translator for the UN, desperately attempts to secure a safe haven for her family, comprised solely of males. She appeals to a senior UN officer to allow her family entry into the military base, which is perceived as a safer environment.

Civilians Ordered to Leave the Base

As the situation intensifies, the UN military base becomes inundated with civilians seeking refuge. However, the UN orders those civilians without official ties to leave the base, prompting a sense of despair and fear among those affected.

Aida's Family Denied Entry

Despite Aida's efforts and discussions with Major Franken, her family is not included in the list of authorized civilians permitted to stay on the base. This moment is filled with heart-wrenching tension as Aida watches helplessly while her family is escorted away.

Deportation of Civilians

The situation escalates as Serbian soldiers begin to deport the Bosniak men and boys. Aida's heart sinks as she witnesses the trucks being filled with her family and other civilians who are misled into believing they were being spared.

Trucks Emptied by Serbian Soldiers

Outside the military base, Aida watches in horror as the trucks are emptied by Serbian soldiers, signifying the brutal reality that the civilians inside face. The tragedy of the eviction becomes palpable and foreshadows the impending massacre.

Massacre of Bosniak Civilians

Throughout July 1995, it is estimated that 8,372 Bosniak men and boys are executed by Serbian troops in and around Srebrenica. The assault leads to unimaginable suffering as the community is torn apart and families are obliterated.

Aftermath of the Massacre

In the aftermath of the massacre, the landscape of Srebrenica is forever changed. Survivors, including Aida, are left grappling with loss and trauma, struggling to rebuild their lives amidst the haunting memories of what transpired.

Aida's Return to Her Apartment

Years after the war, Aida returns to her apartment, which serves as a painful reminder of the past. She encounters a woman who believes the family owners are deceased, highlighting the human cost of the conflict on families and communities.

Discovery of a Mass Grave

Amidst her grief, Aida discovers remains that have been unearthed from a mass grave, a chilling testament to the brutality inflicted upon her community. This discovery fuels her need to honor the memory of those lost in the massacre.

Return to Teaching

Despite the trauma she has faced, Aida returns to her role as a teacher. She finds solace in educating the next generation, striving to instill hope and resilience in the children who will carry the weight of the past.