The Maryland Bosnia and Herzegovina Exchange Council (MBHEC) and Institute for Development Impact leadership attended the screening of the documentary “Kiss the Future” last night at the Congressional Auditorium, U.S. Congress. The event was hosted by the Embassy of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Washington, D.C., with support from the Advocacy Project, a non-governmental organization, and sponsorship from Congresswoman Ann Wagner.
The screening drew numerous members of Congress, including representatives from Maryland, the White House, and the U.S. Department of State, as well as diplomatic officials, members of the international community, and Bosnian and Herzegovinian citizens residing across the United States. Maryland was also represented by officials from the State Secretary’s Office, Maryland National Guard – State Partnership Office, the Mayor of Annapolis, and the Annapolis Film Festival.
H.E. Željko Komšić, a member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, expressed gratitude to Congress members Ann Wagner and Tom Suozzi, as well as all supporters of the event. He emphasized its importance in strengthening bilateral relations between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the United States, and in promoting peace, understanding, and reconciliation. Representatives Wagner and Suozzi have sent messages of support to Bosnia and Herzegovina, emphasizing the United States’ ongoing commitment to the stability and progress of BiH, and reaffirming strong support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country.
Following the screening, a panel discussion took place with the participation of H.E. Sven Alkalaj, Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the United States, H.E. Vesna Andree Zaimovic, Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina to Spain, Senad Zaimovic, Srdjan Jevdjevic, and Bill Carter.
“Kiss the Future” is a documentary that explores the siege of Sarajevo and the artistic resistance during that period. It has already received numerous awards worldwide and has elicited outstanding responses from audiences. The film’s producers include Matt Damon, who delivered a video message to attendees before the screening, Ben Affleck for Pearl Street Films, and Sarah Anthony for Good Wolves Production. Executive producers include Drew Vinton, Madison Ainsley, Alan Moloney, Jennifer Pitcher, Nenad Čičin-Šain, and Bill S. Carter.
Bill Carter, an American humanitarian who lived in Sarajevo during the siege, was inspired by local resistance to enlist the support of U2 in raising global awareness about the war’s devastation. The band’s agreement led to live satellite interviews with Sarajevo residents during their 1993 ZOO TV tour. Following these interviews, U2 pledged to perform in the city once the war ended. “Kiss the Future” documents this promise and the subsequent post-war concert, where U2 performed before over 45,000 fans in the liberated city. This concert remains a poignant collective memory for Sarajevans, demonstrating that amidst the darkest impulses of conflict, music and art can serve as acts of rebellion and resilience.
“On September 23, 1997, U2 performed in front of 45,000 fans at Koševo Stadium, supported by Bosnian groups: Gazi Husrev-bey Choir, Protest, and Sikter. Held approximately two years after the siege ended, it was a moment that demonstrated this city was not defeated. One people singing with one voice.”
The film features appearances by Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton, Bill Clinton, Christiane Amanpour, Mirsad Purivatra, Vesna Andree Zaimović, Senad Zaimović, Enes Zlatar, Asja Dupanović, Alma Catal Hurem, Nurdžahan Rešo, Boris Šiber, and Srđan Gino Jevđević.
