Very rarely does a documentary film leave me speechless as the credits role at the end, but Scream for me Sarajevo did just that last night. The impact of the horror and heartbreak these people faced each and every day, while the war in Bosnia rolled on around and amongst them, really hits home. But what is even more apparent in this film is the fact is shows that music has the power to unite people even the worst of times, even for the briefest of moments.
Bruce Dickinson’s secretive 1994 visit to play a one off concert during the height of the “Siege of Sarajevo” has been recollected here in full, not only from his and the rest of his band Skunkworks eyes, but for the viewpoint of some of the locals & UN workers that were on hand to witness that historic night. This is a film you need to actually watch – no popping out to put the kettle on midway through. It’s heavily subtitled throughout, but don’t let this put you off – for me it adds to the reality of the events of that horrific time.
It is evident throughout this documentary that all those involved, Dickinson included, have been left with memories that will stay with them for the rest of their lives – and probably not good ones. The film is graphic in places, but it’s the stories told that show the pain they saw, heard and felt that really hit home – Trevor Gibson who was a negotiator for the UN, recalling the sniper shooting of a mother and child is harrowing viewing, as is when bass player Chris Dale discusses how he felt when he got back to the UK, which eventually brings him to tears. Major Martin Morris has that very British stereotyped stiff-upper-lip-attitude and I feel that if it hadn’t been for his strength and determination, this brave idea just could not have materialized into a reality.
But it’s also a film about hope. Rock music once again showed its power – there is even a comment regarding the fact that during the gig it seemed like the war outside had just stopped. Dickinson could well be portrayed as the hero of this movie, with his “we’re here now, so we might as well play” attitude but he doesn’t attempt to steal any limelight from the rest of those interviewed. The real heroes are the young music fans who braved the short journey across the city to go to the concert that night, with the constant threat of sniper fire & shelling all around them – it was that important to them that it was worth risking their life for.
I’ve always been a huge Iron Maiden fan, but I do believe that Dickinson’s solo work has always been somewhat overlooked. The song choices throughout this documentary are well selected and from the opening minutes with Change of Heart from 1994’s Balls to Picasso, we are gifted with a broad mix from Bruce’s solo career with tracks from the Skunkworks, Tyranny of Souls & Accident of Birth albums.
As the movie draws to a close we finally get to see the party return to the venue (with the same curtains) & city, 22 years later. And it was this moment that brought a tear to my eye – one of the Bosnian locals who was there that night in ’94, hugs Dickinson. And it was that simple show of emotion and gratitude that did it for me. It had meant everything to him and he’d waited 22 years to say thank you in person.
Maiden fan or not, Dickinson fan or not, this film just shows the importance that music can have in people’s lives…a must watch!
The film is set to premiere at Vision Studios in Victoria Park, WA on Wednesday August 29th and will be a one night event only.
Tickets are moving now so book online to secure yours. Tickets include light refreshments, grazing table, live music by “Sharp Dressed Men”, feature film followed by a live Q&A with special guests Shane Caudwell (UN) and Sergej Vujanovic (Original opening band in Sarajevo 1994).
Rare photos and memorabilia will be on display throughout the night!
Tickets and further info available at https://tickets.demand.film/event/5626
