The Republic of Serbian Krajina

Call Number
350-1-1:319/1

General information

Call No.:
350-1-1:319/1
Part of series
HU OSA 350-1-1 Records of the International Monitor Institute: Europe: Balkan Archive
Located at
BetaSP NTSC #319 / No. 1
Digital ver. identifier
HU_OSA_00000319
Date of production
1994
Date
1994
Level
Item
Primary Type
Moving image
Language
English

Content

Form/Genre
Documentary film
Contents Summary
Documentary discussing the Serbian Krajina region from the Serb perspective. It traces the history of Serb settlement in that area, as well as Serb-Croat relations throughout history. The documentary gives an extensive explanation of the WWII Nazi-backed Independent State of Croatia, and its genocide perpetrated against the Serb people. A link between the Independent State of Croatia and present day Croatia is established in this piece. Much focus is given to Ante Starčević's "Croat Statehood Program," and his theory of Serb inferiority and an ethnically clean Croatia. The documentary follows the systematic buildup of tension among the Croat and Serb people in Croatia—these tensions eventually turning into an armed conflict. There is also an extensive discussion about Serb genocide, the destruction of property, anti-Serb propaganda, the raiding of Serb towns and villages, the attempts by the Krajina Serbs to use democratic means of achieving autonomy, and the systematic expulsion of Serb people from Croatia. Sound bites of Franjo Tuđman and Stipe Mesić proclaiming Croatia's independence from Yugoslavia appear throughout the documentary. Numerous sound bites of Croatian Democratic Union members organizing and supporting the armament of Croatian people. Interview with Jovan Rasković, leader of the Serbian Democratic Party, who talks about an inability to express Serb ideas in the Croat parliament. Several Krajina Serb people talk about their family members being killed and their property destroyed. Dave, and several other foreign mercenaries serving in the Croat army, discuss the abundance of arms and the freedom to do what they want. Mijo Krajinović, a Serb man, describes the torture suffered at a Croat camp. Simo Brdar, curator of the Jasenovac camp, states that many WWII documents showing Serb genocide in Croatia have disappeared. Neven Mešanović, a Serb boy, describes losing his leg to a grenade. Other extensive footage of the following is available: corpses found in Krajina by UN soldiers, Krajina Serbs staging a referendum as well as proclaiming independence from Croatia, two Serb men showing their wounds from being beaten by Croat militia, Serb mobilization, Croat soldiers taking oath to defend Croatia, and much footage of Serb refugees leaving Croatia.

Context

Associated Names
Kostić, Goran (Director)
VFC Zastava film (Producer)