It is hard to understand the killing of a child. The deliberate and ruthless targeting of children during the Siege of Sarajevo tragically illustrates the contrast between childhood innocence and war’s brutality. To commemorate the start of the occupation of Sarajevo, the documentary, “Djeca Sarajeva”, was screened for the first time on the 4th of April at the Sarajevo City Hall. The film was the result of a collaboration between the Post Conflict Research Center (PCRC) and the Sarajevo Memorial Center, together with Pinch Media. During her speech, Founder and President of the PCRC, Velma Šarić, stressed the importance of creating films like this, which collect and preserve the narratives of the victims and their families. Within the context of the 5th of May, the Day of Remembrance dedicated to the killed children of besieged Sarajevo, the documentary “Djeca Sarajeva” (The Children of Sarajevo) presents four different stories of child victims and their families. Their viewpoints, shaped by their personal ties to the victims, each offer a distinct lens through which the tragedy is perceived. “Every tenth child was killed by a sniper [during the siege]” stated Fikret Grabovica, President of the Association of Parents of the Murdered Children of Sarajevo. “They were killed most often in moments of socializing, playing and relaxing”, and after long periods of hiding in shelters and basements, the children would eventually come out to play and unknowingly become targets to the murderers that were waiting for them. We know that the one who kills with a sniper knows exactly who he is firing a fatal shot at.” Socialization and play are crucial components of the development of children, and yet Sarajevo’s children would lose their lives for pursuing it. The tragedy of Marko, told by his brother, Miroslav Lukić, is based on his mother’s memories. On 26 July 1995, before his life was taken from him by a grenade, his family was supposed to leave for Croatia and then from there to Italy. From the perspective of a child, the life they have built in their hometown is all they know, and saying goodbye to their loved ones is a crucial moment. Marko had gone to say one last farewell to his friends and grandmother, when a grenade was fired by Serb forces and killed him. “He died in the hands of his friends with whom he was saying his goodbyes a few minutes before,” noted Miroslav, taking a deep breath on camera. Having been about to embark on a better future in a new safe haven, the tragedy resulted in their family never moving to Italy. “That’s something I am actually proud of,” Miroslav asserted to the interviewer confidently as he held back a tear. As he recalls this painful memory, Miroslav’s eyebrows are both raised, conveying an underlying tension and inner turmoil that threaten to overwhelm him at any point. The viewer finds themselves immersed in his vulnerability, as we witness the emotional toll the siege has had on children like Miroslav. Kemal Karić was a baby during the Siege of Sarajevo. As his mother was heading for shelter, a shell fell behind her. The shrapnel killed her, while baby Kemal, whom she held tightly in her arms, survived. Kemal lost his leg, making him the youngest civilian to be wounded in the siege. Although Kemal did not have a carefree childhood, he can hardly remember the 13 surgeries he had to endure because of the injuries he suffered on the day his mother died. What he does remember are the insecurities he experienced about his physical appearance growing up. Like every child, Kemal wanted to belong. “I didn’t want to tell anyone that I didn’t have a leg. I wanted to be like other children,” Kemal said to the camera. Now that he is older, he says he “overcame that fear” and is no longer insecure and ashamed to share his story with anyone. He now sees missing his leg and his mother as a part of him. “I don’t mind approaching a girl, saying I’m Kemal, I’ve lost my leg, I don’t have a mother because of the war.” Whilst watching the film, the viewer cannot help but sympathize with Kemal as he recounts his childhood insecurities and his desire to belong. His journey to self-acceptance and overcoming those insecurities is a testament to his fortitude and courage. It is striking how he has embraced his physical differences and turned them into a source of strength rather than shame. Most of us remember vividly our early interactions with our parents. For Kemal, they are missing. “I don’t remember a hug, I don’t remember anything. I have absolutely nothing from her…” Kemal says, while looking away from the camera.