Human Rights Day: The Fight for Environmental Protection Is a Long-Term Process

As part of the Human Rights Day programme of the Sarajevo Film Festival, the film ALL WE HAVE IS US by the director duo Alina Juarez and Juan Francisco Donos was screened. This documentary, filmed over the course of five years, follows activists who fight to protect nature and their communities, building a network of solidarity despite the high personal cost they pay. The screening was followed by a panel discussion in which, in addition to the director, the film's actors - beekeeper Vladan Jakovljević and actress Bojana Novaković - participated, and the conversation was moderated by Hana Ćurak.

 

The discussion opened with a question about the status of mining projects in Serbia and Chile. It was emphasized that the Rio Tinto company is still present in Serbia, while in Chile it is actively involved in new lithium exploitation projects. Bojana Novaković stressed that success should not be measured only by the departure of a company from a certain area: "Postponing the project is a huge success, but as long as lithium is in the country, someone will be interested in it."

 

Speaking about the situation in Serbia, the participants pointed to the broader context of the environmental struggle, with special reference to the role of the European Union and political institutions. During the conversation, it was said that the status of the project itself does not depend solely on the company, but also on the decisions of the authorities and their specific moves.

 

The authors also revealed how the film was created. The project was originally conceived as an educational initiative. However, through meetings and connecting people who are fighting against mining projects in Chile and Serbia, the story spontaneously developed into a documentary form. "When we met people from Serbia, we thought this could be a movie!", recalled Aline Juarez, emphasizing that the entire project was created organically, from real relationships and joint struggle.

 

A special part of the panel is dedicated to international solidarity. They discussed networks that connect activists from different countries, which enable rapid exchange of information, legal support, and immediate response in cases of pressure or threats. “It’s not just a WhatsApp group; it’s a way of connecting,” it was emphasized, along with the message that local resistance can and must be connected into a wider network that transcends national borders.

 

A question from young people in the audience about how to become more actively involved in environmental protection raised the topic of frustration, patience, and the importance of self-organization. Director Juan noted that there is no simple answer, but he emphasized the importance of bringing together people with different interests and skills. The environmental struggle does not have to be separated from other social issues, and everyone can contribute through their profession.

 

The interlocutors emphasized that, although the climate crisis is urgent, the fight for environmental protection should be viewed as a long-term process. “There is urgency, of course, but let’s always try to view this in the long term and through the prism of future generations,” was one of the key messages of the panel.

 

Finally, the unique role of film in connecting people was emphasized. This documentary allows the audience to learn about struggles that are being waged far from their everyday lives, but also to recognize their own problems in them. The panel concluded with a message about the unifying power of cinematography, concluding that the stories from Serbia and Chile raise awareness that local struggles are not isolated, but are part of a broader, global movement to protect people, communities, and nature.