Quo Vadis, Aida? is a touching and powerful film that sheds light on one of the darkest chapters in recent European history. Directed by Jasmila Žbanić, this Bosnian war drama takes us back to 1995 during the Bosnian War when the UN-designated safe area of Srebrenica was tragically overrun by fascist Serbian forces.

Aida doing everything to protect her family.

The film tells the story of Bosnian woman Aida, a United Nations translator who finds herself in an impossible situation as she tries to save her family members from being killed or deported while working with Dutch peacekeeping forces. The movie masterfully weaves together elements of political intrigue, moral dilemmas, and personal risks that create a gripping narrative filled with emotional depth.

Quo Vadis, Aida? focuses on humanizing the tragedy of Bosnian civilians in Srebrenica through a deeply personal story of one woman and her family. We see how war affects individuals and families at their core, making us feel empathy for those who suffered during this horrific time in history. The performances are strong, particularly Jasna Đuričić as Aida, whose portrayal of strength in the middle of despair is both heart-wrenching and inspiring.

This film serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of remembering our past so we can learn from it and work towards building a better future. Quo Vadis, Aida? isn't just about the Srebrenica genocide; it's also about resilience, hope, and the unbreakable bond between families in difficult times. It is undoubtedly a must-watch for anyone seeking to understand more about this dark chapter in European history while celebrating the invincible spirit of humanity.

This story is even more important knowing how countless Serbian fascist ultranationalists, including many prominent former and current politicians, are actively denying the genocide committed not only in the small town of Srebrenica, but all across Bosnia during the Serbian aggression against the country in 1992-1995.

This film has grown on me since the first watch because it tells a story that is both deeply personal and universally relatable. Aida’s struggle is not just about survival; it’s about the fight for her family’s future, the quest for dignity in the middle of uncontrollable chaos, and the resolute hope that humanity will prevail over barbarism.

I watched the film with my students during the unit about genocides throughout the history of humankind, and many of the students got emotionally affected by the tragic events during the Srebrenica Genocide and barbaric killings committed by Serb forces. Afterward, they had a lot of questions about the war and the genocide in Bosnia, so we had a really constructive and rewarding discussing in class.

Remains of many brutally killed Bosniak men to be recognized and identified is still an ongoing process.

Quo Vadis, Aida? is a film that deserves to be seen. It’s a story that needs to be told, reminding us of the close past and warning us that human barbarity can happen again in the present.