Branka Katić, UNHCR High Profile Supporter, Vesna Damjanić, panel participant, refugee from Croatia
Besides Branka Katić, UNHCR’s High Profile Supporter, short film’s cast includes renown actors and actresses Jasna Đuričić, Mladen Sovilj, Nedim Nezirović, Jana Milosavljević, Miloš Petrović Trojpec, Aleksandar Vučković, Branimir Popović, as well as writer Vladimir Tabašević.
The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) in Serbia organised today the premiere of the video “What they took with them“ in Jugoslovenska kinoteka, a translation of the poem by Jenifer Toksvig, inspired by stories and first-hand testimonies of refugees about the items they took with them when forced to flee their homes due to conflicts and persecution.
“What they took with them” was first produced as a film in 2016, with UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador Cate Blanchett and famous actors performing the poem in its original English. It has since been translated into German, Polish and today also in Serbia for filmed performances.
Francesca Bonelli, UNHCR Representative, panel on refugees’ integration
In Serbia, the filming was initiated by Branka Katić, actress and UNHCR High Profile Supporter who was joined by famous actors and actresses Jasna Djuričić, Jana Milosavljević, Mladen Sovilj, Milos Petrović Trojpec, Nedim Nezirović, Aleksandar Vučković, Branimir Popović and writer Vladimir Tabašević.
Announcing the video, Francesca Bonelli, UNHCR Representative in Serbia stated: “Anyone of us can find ourselves forced to flee their home and their country in a matter of minutes, as many people in Serbia know well regretfully. This short but powerful and poignant video reminds us that the pain of flight is universal and that refugees all over the world need to be offered protection, solidarity and the opportunity to contribute with their skills to the society that welcomes them.
Francesca Bonelli, UNHCR Representative, Branka Katić, UNHCR High Profile Supporter, after the film premiere
I am very grateful to Branka and all the actors that made this movie. To see their passion and commitment to help refugees is a great support and inspiration for UNHCR and particularly for refugees in Serbia.“
“Serbia is the country that saw the largest integration of refugees after World War II. Almost 400,000 refugees from Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina acquired citizenship of the Republic of Serbia, thus formally integrating and becoming its fulfledged citizens. The Commissariat for Refugees and Migration of the Republic of Serbia assisted this war affected and persecuted population to integrate socially and economically, from the very beginning. Our focus was provision of shelter to the most vulnerable. To date, the Commissariat assisted more than 36,000 refugee families i.e., almost 150,000 persons, with budget and donor funds,“ Svetlana Velimirović, Deputy Serbian Commissioner for Refugees and Migration stated.
After the premiere, panel on refugees’ integration in Serbia ensued
Said Branka Katić, UNHCR Serbia High Profile Supporter ”I am very proud of this video. My colleagues have unselfishly poured their talent, hearts and time into it. We have filmed the poem of Jenifer Toksvig about what the refugees managed to take with them when forced to leave their homes. The video was edited by Nataša Pavlović, while Goran Tomašević gave us the privilege of using his remarkable photos. The video carries a universal message and I believe that no one will remain indifferent to it. “
The premiere and the promotion of „What they took with them“ video is a start of initiative #RefugeesMyNeighbors that UNHCR is commencing aiming to raise awareness of the Serbian public about the plight of refugees, their resilience and potential in the times of rising xenophobia and misinformation on them and their needs.
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