IN THE LAND OF WARTIME RAPE: BOSNIA, CINEMA AND REPARATION

Abstract

This paper focuses on one space of mass rape during the Bosnian war: The Vilina Vlas Hotel in Višegrad, Bosnia and Herzegovina. By analysing Jasmila Žbanić’s film, For Those Who Can Tell No Tales, the potential of cinema to address ethno-nationalistic tensions and contribute to the pursuit of justice is considered. In post-war BiH, dealing with past war crimes is a delicate and contentious process, and many scholars are critical of the International Criminal Tribunal’s approach to the challenges of rape as a war crime. This paper considers whether cinema contributes to the truth-seeking aspect of this process.  It is argued that Žbanić uses her film as a strategy for resistance, intervention, and justice, while promoting symbolic reparation.