Kosovo: Can You Imagine? (2009)
Kosovo: Can You Imagine? is a poignant documentary film directed by Serbian Canadian Boris Malagurski, released in 2009. The film delves into the harrowing circumstances faced by the Serb communities residing in Kosovo post the 1999 conflict. It’s a narrative that uncovers the layers of struggle, displacement, and the quest for human rights in the region.
The documentary commences with a historical overview, tracing back to the significant Battle of Kosovo, and progresses to the period of UN administration following the NATO intervention in 1999. This intervention was a response to halt the Serbian crackdown on ethnic Albanian separatism in the province of Kosovo. The film provides a platform for various perspectives, including those of former Canadian general Lewis MacKenzie, former Canadian diplomat James Byron Bissett, former UNMIK officer John Hawthorne, and economist Michel Chossudovsky.
Through its narrative, the documentary sheds light on the rights that Kosovo Albanians had during socialist Yugoslavia and draws parallels between the Kosovo Liberation Army and the separatist Front de libération du Québec, as discussed by retired Canadian General Lewis Mackenzie. It also touches upon the aftermath of the conflict, where James Byron Bissett claims that many Serbs were expelled from their homes, subjected to kidnappings, and killings, while a significant number of their houses, cultural, and religious sites were burned and destroyed.
Michel Chossudovsky brings to the forefront an alleged connection between Kosovo’s military and political leadership and organized crime. The film paints a stark picture of the Kosovo Serbs as internally displaced, with some living in enclaves and small camps within Kosovo, highlighting their plight and the lack of basic human rights.
The documentary follows the personal stories of several Serb victims, giving a face to the statistics and bringing a human element to the geopolitical discourse. It’s a film that not only informs but also evokes a sense of empathy and understanding for the struggles of a community trying to find its place in the aftermath of conflict and political upheaval.
Kosovo: Can You Imagine? has been recognized for its impactful storytelling, receiving the Silver Palm Award at the Mexico International Film Festival in 2009. The film stands as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the ongoing quest for dignity and recognition in the face of adversity.
