Chris Leslie, filmmaker: I firmly stand by the Partisan Memorial
An interview with the Scottish photographer and filmmaker about his upcoming documentary on the Partisan Necropolis in Mostar, his fascination with the monument, and why he needs our support.
Trailer: The Partisan Necropolis by Chris Leslie
The documentary is 70% complete.
All pre-production work has been done.
We have filmed all the footage we need – 3 shoots on location done
We just need the final 30% to pay for the edit and output of the edits.
Any donation to help us complete the film is really appreciated.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/complete-the-documentary-the-partisan-necropolis
BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA AS AN INSPIRATION
You are already well-known to Bosnian and Herzegovinian audiences, having previously filmed here and published works such as A Balkan Journey and The Sarajevo Bucket List. How do you discover the topics that draw you in? Why Bosnia and Herzegovina?
My connection with the former Yugoslavia, particularly Bosnia & Herzegovina, began in 1996 when I joined a social reconstruction initiative in the divided town of Pakrac, located in Western Slavonia, Croatia. For four months, I lived and volunteered there, working closely with people from both sides of the divided community.
In 1997, I launched a photography project at an orphanage in Sarajevo, teaching children the art of black-and-white photography. We even set up a darkroom where they could develop their skills. This project, later known as “The Sarajevo Camera Kids,” became a significant part of my life.
From 1997 to 1999, I dedicated myself to this initiative before transitioning to a career as a freelance documentary photographer and filmmaker. Between 2001 and 2019, I returned to Bosnia numerous times, capturing post-conflict stories for renowned publications like The Guardian and The Herald. My deep connection to Bosnia has lasted for over 25 years, and I remain as passionate about the region as ever. (Balkan Journey)
Friends often joke that I’ve developed a form of ‘Bosniaitis’—a playful term for my enduring obsession with the country. But the truth is, documenting Bosnia’s journey toward peace has been a remarkable experience—one that has shaped me both personally and professionally. The region has taught me invaluable lessons, and I continue to be drawn to its stories, always eager to share them with the world.
How did you first come across the Partisan Necropolis in Mostar, and what attracted you to it?
Much of my documentary work focuses on the built environment—exploring cities in transition, whether through regeneration, decay, or complete disappearance. In my hometown of Glasgow, I’ve spent the past 15 years documenting urban regeneration. This has involved capturing the demolition of high-rise social housing, the scattering of once-close-knit communities, and the loss or neglect of historical buildings. (www.disappearing-glasgow.com)
In November 2021, I made a brief visit to Mostar, with only a few hours to explore. At the top of my list was the Partisan Necropolis, a place I had been eager to photograph. Strangely, there were no signs to guide visitors, and without Google Maps, I might never have found it. It felt as if the local authorities were trying to obscure it from public view. When I finally arrived, I was awe-struck. The site was both a photographer's dream and an architectural marvel, and it immediately struck me that there could be a larger documentary project to pursue here.
However, despite its stunning visual and architectural significance, I initially didn’t feel it was a story for me to tell. Architectural documentaries were not my main focus or passion. But everything changed seven months later in June 2022, when the site was systematically destroyed overnight. In that moment, I realized there was a deeper story here—one that needed to be told. It became clear that this place was more than just a striking piece of architecture; it held a larger narrative that deserved a documentary film.
How has your understanding of the issues surrounding the memorial complex evolved over time?
It took some time to fully comprehend the history of the Partisan Memorial Cemetery and to explore the legacy of its architect, Bogdan Bogdanović. With limited resources available in English, much of my understanding came from the interviews we conducted during the initial shoot. This process made the interviews even more compelling, as I was continually learning from real experts, deepening my appreciation of the site’s significance.
What’s particularly troubling is the attitude surrounding the cemetery. Some individuals, including those in influential public roles, contest its very status as a memorial. It’s as if, in their view, if it’s not formally recognized as a cemetery, its importance fades. This perception has undeniably contributed to the site’s neglect and eventual destruction. The larger, unanswered questions remain: why was it destroyed, and who is responsible?
That said, this documentary isn't intended to be an investigative exposé seeking to assign blame. Such an approach wouldn’t address the underlying issues. However, the years of neglect and the lack of accountability reveal a much deeper, systemic problem that goes beyond the cemetery itself.
TIME TO ACT IS NOW
As the completion of this film approaches, what can you share with us about the documentary?
The film is being edited into two versions: a 70-minute feature-length cut for film festivals and a 52-minute edit tailored for broadcast. For a cinematic premiere, the AJB DOC and Sarajevo Film Festival are natural choices, but my dream would be to debut the film in Mostar—that would be the ultimate screening for me. The broadcast version is set to air on Al Jazeera Balkans, and I’m exploring additional platforms and networks outside the region to expand its reach.
We're a small but passionate crew working on this project. While our budget is modest, our ambitions are anything but! As both producer and director, I’m leading the project alongside Oggi Tomic, who serves as our Director of Photography. We’ve received invaluable support with translation and interview transcriptions from the Post-Conflict Research Center in Sarajevo.
The film has been meticulously captured in stunning 4K resolution using state-of-the-art Sony FX6 and FX9 cameras, ensuring exceptional cinematic quality. Shot in Log format, the footage offers a broad range of color grading options, providing flexibility for both seamless editing and broadcast compatibility.
The narrative unfolds organically through in-depth interviews, eliminating the need for a scripted voiceover. Each participant is filmed in natural settings—whether at work, in their homes, or within the evocative surroundings of the Cemetery and the city of Mostar—creating a rich, immersive tapestry of lived experiences and perspectives.
We’ve taken great care to document the Partisan Memorial Cemetery from every possible angle, showcasing its grandeur, intricate design, and solemn beauty. Aerial shots provide sweeping views of the site’s full scale, while ground-level footage captures its more intimate, poignant details. Additionally, time-lapse sequences filmed under varying weather conditions add a dynamic layer to the visual narrative, enhancing both the mood and atmosphere of the story.
As a filmmaker, do you find yourself becoming emotionally involved in the topics you explore? To what extent can a director remain objective?
For me it's impossible to remain completely objective when telling the story of the Partisan Memorial Cemetery. The fact that it has been destroyed and is now one of Europe’s most at-risk heritage sites speaks to the gravity of the situation. I stand firmly with the Partisan Memorial Cemetery and its preservation—that’s what drives me to make this film. It’s not about creating a successful documentary for the sake of my career; it's about saving the cemetery and telling its story.
It's also important to note that while the funding for this project has covered the costs of filming and travel, all pre-production and post-production work has been done by me, unpaid. There’s been no financial backing beyond the necessary shoots, and I’m not beholden to anyone—there are no external influences shaping this documentary. I have no vested interest other than ensuring the cemetery’s story is told, and its importance recognized.
The time for action is now. The future of the Partisan Memorial Cemetery hangs in the balance, and it will take collective efforts to secure its preservation for future generations.
What are your expectations for the film in terms of viewership and audience reception?
Right now, my primary focus is securing the funding needed to complete the film, and all my energy is directed toward that goal. The 70-minute feature-length edit will be targeted for film festivals, but I’m fully aware that this will only reach a relatively small audience. The key is to share this story with a much wider audience.
I’m optimistic that once we finalize agreements, we’ll secure a significant TV audience through Al Jazeera Balkans. If the documentary is accepted onto their broader network, it will extend our reach far beyond the region, which is crucial. This isn’t just a story about Bosnia & Herzegovina—it’s a European story, and it deserves to be shared on a global stage.
THE GREAT POTENTIAL
How do you interpret the current situation surrounding the Partisan Necropolis, and what do you believe is the best solution?
I believe it’s incredibly challenging for anyone from Mostar or Bosnia & Herzegovina to tell this story. Many people have been forced to take sides—you’re either for it, against it, or you choose the easiest path: sitting on the fence and ignoring it altogether. I’ve been told by many that it’s a complex issue, intertwined with politics, history, and numerous other factors.
However, I didn’t want to make a film focused on division in Mostar or the war of the ‘90s. As an outsider, I have the advantage of asking direct, uncomplicated questions, unclouded by the region’s political or nationalist biases: Why is a National Monument listed as one of Europe’s most at-risk heritage sites? Why would anyone destroy a cemetery dedicated to those who fought against fascism? And what does this monument represent today?
In the long term, the best solution for the Partisan Memorial Cemetery would be 24-hour police protection, which would prevent further attacks. The next step is to restore the site to its original form—this has been done before and can be done again if there is political will. Lastly, there must be a collective understanding of what the Partisan Memorial Cemetery truly represents and why it holds significance for everyone in Mostar.
Do you feel optimistic about the future of the Partisan Memorial?
Bosnia & Herzegovina faces a host of challenges, from economic instability to fragile peace, further compounded by a mass exodus of its youth in search of better opportunities abroad. With so many urgent concerns, why should the fate of the Partisan Memorial Cemetery matter?
Losing national monuments would be a tragic chapter in the country’s story, but I remain optimistic. I believe there’s still an opportunity to cast new light on the significance of the Partisan Memorial Cemetery and foster a deeper understanding of its original intent. The message and purpose behind it have become distorted over time. If people can recognize that it’s a cemetery—a place that reflects Bogdan Bogdanović’s vision of honoring the sacrifices made by young people of all backgrounds and ethnicities—then perhaps this shift in awareness will help secure its future.
There’s also the potential for the Partisan Memorial Cemetery to become a must-see site in Mostar. It could, and should, be a major tourist attraction on the west side of the city, an area that currently sees far fewer visitors. The site holds immense potential to generate interest and income in that part of Mostar. Even if the only argument people support is its tourism value, that’s perfectly fine—as long as it stops being deliberately neglected and destroyed.
The documentary is 70% complete.
All pre-production work has been done.
We have filmed all the footage we need – 3 shoots on location done
We just need the final 30% to pay for the edit and output of the edits.
Any donation to help us complete the film is really appreciated.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/complete-the-documentary-the-partisan-necropolis