"Brothers in Arms" documentary highlights Serbs who defended Croatia

A new documentary, "Brothers in Arms," is set to premiere on August 5, aiming to shed light on the often-overlooked contributions of Serb citizens who fought for Croatia during its war for independence. The film will be available on the Večernji List YouTube channel.

Directed by Goran Maršalek and written by Tanja Belobrajdić, the documentary focuses on individuals who prioritized their homeland, Croatia, over ethnic or national ties. It is estimated that over ten thousand citizens of Serbian nationality participated in Croatia's defense against aggression, yet their stories have largely remained marginalized.

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If I were in Slovenia, I would defend Slovenia; if I were in China, I would defend China. I stayed in Croatia and I defend my Croatia.

The film centers on the experiences of four veterans. Rankan Čučković, a Croatian war invalid severely wounded in Operation Storm, embodies the film's premise: "If I were in Slovenia, I would defend Slovenia; if I were in China, I would defend China. I stayed in Croatia and I defend my Croatia." The documentary also features Željko Ilić Šeki from Vukovar, a fellow war invalid and former POW, whose parents were killed by JNA shelling. Another protagonist is Željko Baltić, a former JNA non-commissioned officer from Šibenik, who executed a crucial covert operation to secure artillery for the Croatian army. Completing the quartet is Damir Ralić, a linguistics and philosophy professor from Zagreb, whose ongoing struggle with PTSD underscores the war's lasting scars.

"Brothers in Arms" delves into their harrowing experiences, from front-line combat and brutal treatment in camps to the enduring psychological impact of war. A particularly chilling account comes from Željko Ilić Šeki, recounted by the late Danijel Rehak, president of the Association of Prisoners of Serbian Concentration Camps. Rehak described how Ilić, despite severe beatings, consistently responded "You! You!" when asked who killed his parents, demonstrating immense courage in the face of certain death. The film also briefly mentions other unsung heroes whose sacrifices are remembered by their comrades, such as Goran Delić, who died at twenty.

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You! You!