Local events to mark 27th anniversary of genocide in Srebrenica
27 June 2022
A number of events will take place locally next month in memory of all those who lost their lives in the genocide at Srebrenica, marking the 27th anniversary of the atrocity.
The Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Councillor Sandra Duffy, will attend a special screening on July 6th of of the award-winning and Oscar-nominated movie Quo Vadis, Aida? hosted in the Playhouse. The film will feature with the permission of Director Jasmila Zbanic, and tells the moving story of a teacher and translator from Srebrenica forced to flee from the Serbian invaders and seek refuge with her family in a UN camp.
The event is being delivered by the Remembering Srebrenica organisation, in conjunction with Council's Good Relations team and the Playhouse. Joining the Mayor will be the Ambassador for Bosnia and Herzegovina to the UK and Ireland, His Excellency Vanja Filipovic.
Council buildings, including the Council Offices in Derry and the Alley Theatre, Strabane, will also be illuminated in green to mark the anniversary, the colour representing the 8,500 mainly men and boys who were killed, all but one of the Muslim faith.
Speaking ahead of the commemoration, Councillor Duffy said it was vitally important, particularly during these current times, to look back and reflect on the impact of conflict.
"27 years on from the shocking acts of genocide in Srebrenica, and as we see the campaign of terror continue against the people of Ukraine, we must heed the stark warnings of history and continue to tackle hatred and prejudice head on within our own communities. The onus is on all of us to educate future generations about the dangers of creating the conditions for discrimination to thrive.
"The legacy for the victims of Srebrenica will be in the lessons we take from their loss, teaching our young people to celebrate difference and follow the path of peace and respect for everyone, regardless of colour or creed."
Quo Vadis, Aida? movingly captures the harrowing events of the genocide in Srebrenica with a compelling exploration of conflict, hatred and discrimination. Following the screening there will be a short reflection and Q+A with light refreshments.
The screening in the Playhouse takes place at 6pm on July 06, and tickets are £6 – to book go to https://www.derryplayhouse.co.uk/event/remembering-srebrenica-quo-vadis-aida