Al Jazeera Balkans Documentary Film Festival focusing on Palestinian struggle to begin Friday

By Lejla Biogradlija and Alma Dekovic

SARAJEVO, Bosnia and Herzegovina (AA) - The 7th International Al Jazeera Balkans Documentary Film Festival (AJB DOC) set to begin on Friday in Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, will feature a series of documentaries highlighting the suffering of Palestinians.

Anadolu is the global communications partner for the event, which will take place on Sept. 13-17.

The event's theme this year is "Justice?"

Speaking to Anadolu, Edhem Foco, the director of the AJB DOC, said: “We choose our theme based on what is happening around us.”

“Last year, the festival was held in September, and in October, the attacks on Gaza began. We are saddened that what happened could not be adequately conveyed in the cultural world," he added.

Foco stressed the world has witnessed the deaths of women and children and the destruction of infrastructure in the Gaza Strip.

"We have also witnessed the reactions of the developed and modern world, which has a habit of telling others what should be done and how. They sided with the oppressive side. At this point, the theme of 'Justice?' came to our minds. Where is justice?"

- Anadolu’s documentary ‘The Evidence’ to be screened

Foco said Anadolu’s documentary, The Evidence, which exposes Israel's war crimes in the Gaza Strip, will be screened during the festival.

Noting that Al Jazeera Balkans has had a longstanding cooperation with Anadolu, he said: “It is an honor for us to screen AA's documentary at our festival.”

Foco also noted that several Anadolu reporters and photojournalists lost their lives in Gaza, and that Anadolu is one of the few media outlets still operating there.

"'The Evidence' is highly meaningful, and I hope a large audience attends its screening. We have a documentary that proves the genocide in Gaza,” he said.

Highlighting the growing importance of AJB DOC in the region, the film festival’s director noted that documentaries are becoming more engaging and informative for audiences.

"Empathy is important. We also want to bring back the sense of empathy in society as part of the festival," he added.

“The Evidence” will be shown on Sept. 14, followed by a Q&A session with Omer Faruk TunC, a member of the documentary team.

This year’s festival will focus on the suffering of Palestinians caused by years of Israeli attacks, including Israel’s offensive on Gaza launched on Oct. 7, which has killed more than 41,000 people and left much of Gaza in ruins, its people homeless and on the brink of starvation.

Israel also faces accusations of genocide for its actions in Gaza at the International Court of Justice.

The event will feature 24 documentaries, covering topics including Israeli violence against Palestinians, global economic challenges, and political turmoil.

The festival’s jury includes Deborah London-Harrington, Namik Kabil, Mila Turajlic, Francesco Montagner, and Myriam Francois.

Awards will be given in three categories: the Al Jazeera Balkans Documentary Film Festival Main Award, the Program Award, and the Audience Award.