Kosovo: Can You Imagine? is an important documentary film directed by the acclaimed Canadian filmmaker Boris Malagurski, which chronicles the struggles of Kosovo Serbs in the 21st century. It highlights the grave human rights issues they face every day, and how their religious and cultural freedoms are being threatened.
The story of Kosovo begins with NATO’s bombing of Serbia in 1999 to stop a crackdown on ethnic Albanian separatism in its province of Kosovo. In the aftermath of the war, thousands of Serbs were forced from their homes, kidnapped and killed, while their houses, cultural sites and religious monuments were destroyed or vandalized. This has left many Serbia’s feeling helpless, as if their national history was being erased before their very eyes.
Kosovo is essentially what Jerusalem is to Jewish people–the cradle of their statehood and culture. Here lie some of most important holy sites for Serbian Orthodox Christians: churches and monasteries, which are now at risk due to continuing ethnic cleansing efforts by Albanians who make up the majority in Kosovo today. Furthermore, those Serbians who remain within the country do not have any basic human rights and are subjected to countless atrocities each day.
Boris Malagurski’s documentary captures this difficult reality through personal stories that will undoubtedly shock viewers into action. By watching Kosovo: Can You Imagine?, audiences will gain a greater understanding of what life is like for these people living under UN administration, as well as become more aware about these ongoing human rights violations taking place right here in Europe during this day and age. It is a powerful reminder that we must stand up for those whose voices cannot be heard, and take action to ensure that our fellow humans can live in peace and security no matter where they reside.
