The fourth Peace Festival [Mir Festival] brought together 50 young people from Bosnia and Herzegovina to begin a journey through art, dialogue, learning and getting to know each other in Čardaci in Vitez.
Throughout the festival, emphasis was placed on the importance of unity among young generations and their role in creating a fairer and more peaceful society. This was underscored with the exceptional contribution of special guest Ismail Barlov, a golden Paralympic swimmer, who inspired participants and reminded them that anything is possible.
The Peace Festival was held from November 29 to December 3, organized by the Post-Conflict Research Center (PCRC). It gathered together young people from more than 20 cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as several activists from the region, to discuss peace building, tolerance, solidarity, and responsibility for the future. Despite gloomy weather and long road trips, everyone showed amazing energy and motivation to be part of the changes in society.
The opening ceremony of the Festival was enriched by Roman Hlobeň, Ambassador of Slovakia to Bosnia and Herzegovina, and his deputy, Consul Patrik Turošík. Ambassador Hlobeň said: “I’m really glad to see so many young people here. I didn’t hesitate for a minute to join and support this project together with Patrik, my deputy […] When we look at you, we see what Bosnia and Herzegovina can be. We see the potential. I’m really impressed that you have come here from more than 20 cities. I think I’ve visited 90 percent of them, and I often remember those visits with great pleasure.”
He emphasized that young generations have the power to change society, as his generation did in Slovakia. He stressed the importance of learning from the past and turning to the future, noting that peace is built every day.
“I know that many of you are thinking about leaving. I understand that. But I equally appreciate those who are returning or are planning to return, because they want to bring knowledge and experience to their country. Society is built exactly like that – through young people who bring energy, knowledge and responsibility. You all have that potential. And that is the purpose of this: to build peace, trust, understanding and dialogue,” stated Ambassador Hlobeň.
The significance of holding the 2025 Peace Festival in Vitez, which gives smaller towns an opportunity for dialogue, was emphasized by Glorija Alić from the OSCE Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
“It’s extremely important that gatherings like this are held in smaller communities, not just in big cities. I’m glad that you have gathered here today, in Vitez, in the very heart of Bosnia and Herzegovina – for the fourth time. […] Looking at you today, I see a generation that will never grow bored of peace. A generation that will build, preserve, and strengthen it. That, I believe, will be your mission in the years to come,” said Alić.
Tatjana Milovanović of PCRC recalled the symbolism of the Peace Festival and its educational and emotional value: “We’re encouraged that you recognize the importance of peacebuilding, especially at a time when it’s often only spoken about declaratively. […] Peace is learned, but above all, it is lived – that is what we hope for.”
Milovanović also pointed to the importance of understanding the legacy of war and developing critical thinking among young people, through work on concrete projects and educational content.
“Be persistent in your dreams”
A special address was given by Ismail Barlov, a Bosnian and Herzegovina gold medal Paralympic swimmer, who reminded us of the value of friendship, perseverance, and will: “I am honored to be here today at the Peace Festival and to be able to present to you the story of the friendship between me and Ismail [Zulfić], which is shown in the film Butterflies Without Wings. What I would like to tell all of you is to be persistent in your dreams and anything is possible when you want it.”
The premiere of the documentary film Butterflies Without Wings, written by Anel Džanković and produced by BHRT, was the highlight of the first day of the Festival. The film, which follows the story of two swimmers, Ismail Zulfić and Ismail Barlov, evoked strong emotions. The moving scenes of their struggle, friendship, and perseverance brought the audience to tears and elicited powerful reactions. The long applause, ovations, and tears testified to the deep impression the film left.
The film is more than a documentary – it is a story about courage, overcoming obstacles, friendship, and the unquenchable will to dream and act. After the screening, many participants emphasized how much the story inspired them and reminded them that no obstacle is insurmountable with persistence, friendship, and community support.
Džejla Bečić from Kakanj said that the film opened her eyes, causing tears of joy and pride: “The film tells the story of two special individuals that the whole world is proud of, and I’m sure people with disabilities especially. These boys, through their struggle, tell us a story about friendship andperseverance, and show the parental support that we all need.”
She added that the film was a very emotional experience for her, which, as a person with a mild disability, gaves her immense hope for a better tomorrow.
Hana Hodžić from Fojnica said that she really liked the film: “It touched me deeply emotionally, especially the way it depicts the struggle and story of the two boys—not only them, but also the other children with disabilities in the club. What impressed me most was the honesty of the whole story and the way the film raises awareness, without any pressure or negative message.”
“Limits are only in our minds”
The lesson Hana took away is that no matter how difficult things are, there is always someone who will be there for us, and even just a little laughter is a big step. “The most important thing to say is that anything is possible when you want it.”
For Larisa Alagić from Tuzla, the film Butterflies Without Wings was touching, inspiring, and subtly but powerfully showed the perseverance, courage, inner strength, and determination of young athletes.
“I’m especially glad that the film naturally advances inclusion and shows how important it is to recognize the potential in every child, regardless of the obstacles they face. It isn’t just a sports story, but also a strong message that limits are only in our minds,” said Larisa.
The following days of the festival feature activities that gave participants opportunities to learn, question their own assumption, and develop new skills. These activities emphasized learning through practice, including conversations and decision-making, training in citizen journalism and photography, and honoring the civilian war victims at the monument in Žepče.
Jelena Savić from Gradiška stated that the visit to the monument in Žepče was an opportunity to show respect and remember the civilians who lost their lives during the war.
“The monument is an important reminder of the necessity of preventing conflicts and promoting dialogue and tolerance,” said Jelena.
With the support of PCRC and international institutions, young people had the opportunity to learn, share experiences and inspiration, and forge connections that encourage and empower them to build a better tomorrow.
The participants of Peace Festival 2025 took part in the filming of Perspective [Perspektiva], a documentary show about young people in the region and the problems they face that is broadcast on 30 television stations in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, and Croatia.
This year’s Peace Festival was organized with the support of the OSCE Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Slovak Embassy in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Smart Balkans project, and the Pro Peace organization.
