"In the Land of Blood and Honey"

Confessions of a Hollywood diva Angelina Jolie for "Dnevni Avaz": I became a part of
Projection announced Kristijan Amanpur saying that the achievement reflects the drama of the Bosnian tragedy

Written by Erol Avdović | Published 12/9/2011. at 06:18

Our correspondent Erol Avdović Angelina Jolie: Bosnians are my family (Photo: Hyatt Avdović)
The day after the previews of the film "In the Land of Blood and Honey" (In the Land of Blood and Honey), by directing debut Andjelina Đole (Angelina Jolie), these megastars in New York gave an exclusive interview for "Dnevni Avaz". In the days when all the world's media in hot pursuit of her statements at least, Đole chose the highest circulation paper in BiH, in effect offering a confession about how and why he shot his directorial debut.

We did an interview in her apartment in New York at the "Waldorf Astoria".At the arranged meeting came very very kind to us and apologized for the delay. In a very open conversation highlighted to us that she is very keen to film her message to be explained to our readers.

Đole for "Dnevni Avaz" that he never claimed any of his gesture, or artistic expression is not intended to offend any Bosanka or Bosnian. Her intention was to make a film that will not only deal with politics but rather an intimate human drama in the war.

 Painful realization

Before I watched your film, but several controversies about which the media reports, I knew little. I did not know that movie, as critics have stated, is actually quite fair tackles what the "good" tradition of most stereotypes are avoided - the core of the war. What made you do a movie like this and why is this almost universal story of a tragic place just in BiH?

- It is true that the last ten years I traveled around the world and I was frustrated that people in post-conflict situations remain traumatized by war and disappointed by what for them has not done enough. It touched me as they pass through the painful realization that the rights of intervention in their favor is absent. Every day I began to think broader about it, especially the suffering of women and children in war. I wanted to do a story about it.

Then I went to your region, visited Bosnia and began to read about it, because I felt ashamed that I know little. You know, I was 17 years old when the war began. A war in Bosnia, in some ways, was the war of my generation. I felt a responsibility to find out more. The more I read, I was shocked. At some point I was shocked because at least three things: first - how many people suffered, the other - the amount of inhumanity that war, and finally, how are people in BiH, in fact, be strong to withstand all that.

I met with the courage of these people, families and the artistic community in BiH. It all inspired me and I again went to the area and concluded that I love Bosnia and Bosnians are my family. Bosnians are now my closest friends and because I wanted to make a movie about it. As it comes to my family, I became a part of you.

Does this mean that you, by some chance you're not American, then they Bosanka ...

- (Laughs) Well, yes! I wanted the world to begin to look at the Bosnians as I started to look at them. I wanted to make the world not just looking at their suffering, but to see their strength and love of family. To see how these are special people!

Speaking from the shoes of the average viewer, you are able, it seems to me that in your story, the film does not call into question the character of the war, as, for example, the judgments of international courts. All that stands between the lines in your film, although there is no "big" words. You have managed to make a true balance between politics and the intimate drama of the hero. I come from a region where people and writers that are most difficult. How did you manage that?

- I wanted to be sure that the film was not a political statement of any kind, but a film that is only active in politics. And it's fair ...

What in your film means "fair"?

- Fair means that I have done the most that I could actually see three different sides. I tried that I have only one view and to be black and white.I've been thinking a lot about movies and plenty of character which are black and white, which is a "bad guy" and that there is nothing good about it.On the other hand, the "good guy" who is perfect in everything. And the chasm between them. No! I tried to introduce humanity in its true light. I tried, namely, to understand how people become monsters. Instead of the attitude, I wanted to ask some questions that were in me.

Start a dialogue

How did you know that you are on the right track? Interests and content of professional secrecy. How did you come to an acceptable story?

- When I wrote the script, I sent it to people on all sides, ušesnicima in conflict with various backgrounds. And, you know what, at first I deleted your name from this scenario, because I wanted their honest opinion.

I figured if I could balance the story with everyone and if we can all work together, then that is something. And it will be the beginning of the dialogue!The film will be the people who listen to each other and want to work together. And then I expect that we these actors from different parts of the region share their stories and to tell each other their stories, and then all together to do it.

Does that mean you prepravljali and formed during the filming of the story?

- Yes, we are. Absolutely! We worked together on this story.

And why at the end of Serbian officer who committed the crimes, the pronunciation of his name and personal statement: "I am a war criminal," teaches UNPROFOR? Is not that slightly deviates from reality? What is the message you want to send?

- It is interesting what you say! But you will allow, there are many messages in the film that I would not want to impose on the people through my interpretation. Be careful, it's the only thing in the movie that never actually happened. Everything else in the movie could happen, might happen, or happened. However, this very thing, how I felt, has expanded discussion of people who consider themselves responsible, along with the fact that none of them is never voluntarily given. You know, I think it is this image brings the discussion to what ...

But there seemed to have little inclined desired policy?

- For some people it may seem so, but the fact that this has never happened to an interesting discussion. Say what is the Hague tribunal.Especially for a wider circle of Americans, who had followed the war in Bosnia, just as important to learn something about how there are these international courts and what role they play in these conflicts. And, of course, regardless of whether a hand or not, criminals are living with feelings of guilt and responsibility. We wanted this character in our film to be portrayed as someone who clearly feels that the curse and the gravity of the crime.

And now you want to ask something you've long been declared "sensitive zone" to avoid talking about it. Would you again in Sarajevo, shot a new film, after experiencing a seizure permit your team because of rumors about the film that is spread?

- Would I re-recorded there? Would I go there? Well, I am very pleased and expect to travel to Sarajevo, to be there ...

Fresh scars

But, would you re-recorded in Sarajevo?

- I could. I feel it ... You know that they invited me and that I was at the Sarajevo Film Festival. I was, admittedly nervous before going, not knowing that there will be received. But, I was received with extreme kindness and openness, and I feel very, very connected to the people of Bosnia and Sarajevo. I know it will always be people who all look at it (otherwise, op. A.) ... It is so delicate situation, because people are traumatized by war. But I want you to know that I never considered anyone accountable or be against him because he was hit with what I do or do not wish to accept. I understand why it is difficult for them to and at the office. But, I love Sarajevo and I'll be back!

Since so many messages from your film, that you consider most important for the audience, but also to criticize? Afraid I can, however, some misperceptions?

- I hope that people around the world to remember what happened in Bosnia. I will then decide to pass on this film for the purpose of education worldwide. I would like to extend the training of that part of the world (the Balkans, op. A.) where the scars are still fresh in many people. And all of us in the international arena, we need to remain united around the region, to continue helping and fighting for a peaceful and prosperous future.

Now we're talking more like a politician but as an artist. Do you believe that this can really happen?

- You know what, your team through this I believe it. When I meet these young people, and now that I understand their intentions, knowing that the people from your end strong and smart and capable, they are the ones who are able to survive and, at the end - that the most talented actors I worked with, I have much faith in them. I know that I want to be part of their future, and rejoiced to me if I could help it in any form.

Watch the movie with caution

What do you feel now when you are told and this Bosnian story with a sad end, but it would seem, not without hope for many victims?

- Only that I am very grateful that I was allowed to tell the story of their countrymen, and I was with the team that željala work with me. I know that this movie for some people to be very difficult to watch, because they have been through a war and we know that they are traumatized. The film is, as we believe, is authentic, and will therefore return to a very difficult memories. And that's why I want to say to anyone who has suffered trauma during the war in Bosnia - let him be careful!

You must know that this was done to teach people! I would never again wanted to hurt someone who has been injured. Know, therefore, that the film is difficult when you start to look at, because all the actors did a great job, and will therefore be very much emotion.

Injustice is what the film is not already displayed in BiH

What are the concrete plans of the film? When you will start showing in the Balkans?

- Trying to organize a screening in Sarajevo, for any time soon, and you know yourself to be about everything to be agreed with distributors and appreciate their policies. The official premiere will be for several months.Menu is surprising that the film will be screened only in New York and Los Angeles, not in BiH at the same time. While you and I are talking, our people are on the phone, agreed to come to terms to appear in BiH, and I would question them constantly about it. We, therefore, we are working on this session. We feel it is okay to film at the same time not being screened in BiH and in America.

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