“Kiss the Future” captures the spirit of resilience and defiance amidst the horrors of the siege in Sarajevo, offering a poignant and compelling portrayal of how art and culture became tools for survival and resistance during one of the darkest periods in the city’s history.
The film begins by highlighting a powerful image: a beauty pageant in Sarajevo, where contestants hold up a banner that reads “DON’T LET THEM KILL US.” This image encapsulates the defiance and determination of the city’s inhabitants, who faced relentless attacks and violence from the Serbian army under President Slobodan Milošević’s nationalist policies.
Director Nenad Cicin-Sain delves into the lives of the people of Sarajevo during the siege, focusing on individuals like Enes Zlatar, the lead singer of punk band Sikter, who found solace and purpose in music amidst the chaos. The film explores how artists, musicians, and ordinary citizens alike found ways to preserve their humanity and resist oppression through underground art and punk movements.
One of the film’s central narratives involves independent journalist Bill Carter’s efforts to bring attention to Sarajevo’s plight, including his successful attempt to secure an interview with U2 frontman Bono. U2’s subsequent decision to use their platform to raise awareness about the war-torn city during their Zoo TV tour is portrayed as a pivotal moment in garnering international attention to the conflict.
Despite the film’s focus on U2’s involvement, Cicin-Sain ensures that the broader narrative remains centered on the resilience and courage of the people of Sarajevo. The emotional climax of the film, U2’s concert in Sarajevo during their PopMart Tour, serves as a symbolic end to the war for many residents.
“Kiss the Future” effectively conveys the power of art and culture to unite people in the face of adversity, offering a message of hope and resilience in the midst of destruction. While the film may not take stylistic risks or offer new insights into the documentary form, its straightforward approach and emphasis on human resilience make it a compelling and emotionally resonant viewing experience.