See the Film Everyone's Talking About: The Story of Serbs Who Defended Croatia

The Večernji List proudly presents "Brothers in Arms," a long-awaited documentary that sheds light on the often-overlooked contributions of Croatian defenders of Serbian nationality during the tumultuous Croatian War of Independence. Directed by Goran Maršalek and written by Tanja Belobrajdić, this film bravely confronts decades of silence and taboo, offering a powerful narrative centered on the premise: "neither blood nor nation, but homeland."

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Da sam u Sloveniji, branio bih Sloveniju, da sam u Kini, branio bih Kinu. Ja sam ostao u Hrvatskoj i branim svoju Hrvatsku.

This documentary is a vital corrective to historical narratives that have marginalized or ignored the sacrifices made by thousands of Croatian citizens of Serbian ethnicity who stood on the front lines defending their country. The film focuses on four protagonists whose wartime journeys are as harrowing as they are inspiring. Among them is Rankan Čučković, a Croatian war invalid severely wounded during Operation Storm, whose unwavering commitment to Croatia is encapsulated in his words: "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."

"Brothers in Arms" delves into the profound personal struggles and unwavering patriotism of these individuals. It recounts the chilling experiences of Željko Ilić Šeki from Vukovar, a survivor of Serbian concentration camps whose parents were killed by JNA shelling. The film also features Željko Baltić, a former JNA non-commissioned officer who defected to the Croatian Army, and Damir Ralić, a linguistics professor grappling with PTSD. These stories, alongside those of other unsung heroes like Goran Delić and Vid Ivaniš, underscore the complex tapestry of the war and the deep sense of belonging these Serbs felt towards Croatia.

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Taj dečko je bio poseban. Kad god su ga pitali tko mu je ubio roditelje, odgovarao je: ‘Vi!’ Udarali su ga u prsa i ponavljali pitanje, a on je i dalje, dok su mu prsa već bila plava, pa crna od udaraca, tvrdoglavo odgovarao: ‘Vi! Vi!’

From a Croatian perspective, this film is more than just a historical account; it is an act of national reconciliation and recognition. It challenges the divisive narratives that often characterized the conflict and celebrates the shared struggle for an independent Croatia. The filmmakers faced significant challenges in finding participants, as many still carry deep traumas. However, the courage displayed by those who shared their stories is a testament to the enduring spirit of unity and the profound love for their homeland that motivated them to fight, regardless of their ethnic background. This is a story that resonates deeply within Croatia, reminding us all of the shared sacrifices that forged our nation.

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Ni krv, ni nacija, nego domovina.