The Eastern Perception of Homosexuality in ‘’Go West’’
ENG 370b Balkan Cinema
Final Project Research Paper
The Eastern perception of homosexuality in ‘’Go West’’
“In Bosnia, when you buy land and start to dig the foundation for a house, you can never be sure you won’t find a mass grave; there’s been so much bloodshed,” said Ahmed Imamovic when asked about his latest film ‘’Belvedere’’, the Bosnian nomination for the Oscars of 2012. (Hampton 2011)
Although the movie is considered his greatest accomplishment so far by both critics and audience, he first became known to the wide audience with ‘’Go West’’ (2005) – a controversial film, dealing with the ongoing homophobic movements and moods, largely dominating the social scenery in Bosnia. It was part of the official selection of the Montreal Film Festival. The motif of the ‘’different people’’ on the Balkans and their hard time adapting to a life in a rather conservative and war-shaken society made the message known to the international community.
‘’The worst thing in the Balkans is to be homosexual,’’ says Kenan Dizdar, one of the characters in the film ‘’Go West’’. He adds, ‘’They will lower their arms, but carry on hating homosexuals’’. (Angoso, 2006) Masculinity and power it carries as though is seen an underlying symbol of the strength and resistance of nations by a major portion of the Balkan community.
By all means Imamovic’s concern for this topic was logical, as he himself was a witness of the natural consequences of the Bosnian War of 1992-95. Raising awareness of the issues of homophobia, transphobia and other general problem of discrimination became a huge factor in overcoming them and coming to peace with different layers of society. A survey conducted by the Danish Institute for Human Rights comes to show alarming facts about the locals’ views:
‘’Issues related to sexual orientation and gender identity are regarded as a private matter, and a representative survey from 2005 shows that 82% of the population have negative opinions about homosexual
Final Project Research Paper
The Eastern perception of homosexuality in ‘’Go West’’
“In Bosnia, when you buy land and start to dig the foundation for a house, you can never be sure you won’t find a mass grave; there’s been so much bloodshed,” said Ahmed Imamovic when asked about his latest film ‘’Belvedere’’, the Bosnian nomination for the Oscars of 2012. (Hampton 2011)
Although the movie is considered his greatest accomplishment so far by both critics and audience, he first became known to the wide audience with ‘’Go West’’ (2005) – a controversial film, dealing with the ongoing homophobic movements and moods, largely dominating the social scenery in Bosnia. It was part of the official selection of the Montreal Film Festival. The motif of the ‘’different people’’ on the Balkans and their hard time adapting to a life in a rather conservative and war-shaken society made the message known to the international community.
‘’The worst thing in the Balkans is to be homosexual,’’ says Kenan Dizdar, one of the characters in the film ‘’Go West’’. He adds, ‘’They will lower their arms, but carry on hating homosexuals’’. (Angoso, 2006) Masculinity and power it carries as though is seen an underlying symbol of the strength and resistance of nations by a major portion of the Balkan community.
By all means Imamovic’s concern for this topic was logical, as he himself was a witness of the natural consequences of the Bosnian War of 1992-95. Raising awareness of the issues of homophobia, transphobia and other general problem of discrimination became a huge factor in overcoming them and coming to peace with different layers of society. A survey conducted by the Danish Institute for Human Rights comes to show alarming facts about the locals’ views:
‘’Issues related to sexual orientation and gender identity are regarded as a private matter, and a representative survey from 2005 shows that 82% of the population have negative opinions about homosexual
Bibliography: Angoso, Ricardo. "Tough times for Homosexuals in the Balkans. Facing Attacks, Mockery and Legal Sanction, It Remains Difficult to Be Gay in the Balkans." www.cafebabel.com. Babel International, 07 July 2006. Web. 12 Dec. 2012. <http://www.asylumlaw.org/docs/sexualminorities/Balkans070706.pdf>. Council of Europe. Committee of Ministers. www.assembly.coe.int. Council of Europe, 31 Mar. 2009. Web. 12 Dec. 2012. <http://assembly.coe.int/Documents/WorkingDocs/Doc09/EDOC11855.pdf>. Denmark. The Danish Institute of Human Rights. Study on Homophobia, Transphobia and Discrimination on Grounds of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Sociological Report: Bosnia-Herzegovina. : Danish Institute of Human Rights, 2010 www.coe.int. Web. 12 Dec. 2012. <http://www.coe.int/t/Commissioner/Source/LGBT/BosniaHerzegovinaSociological_E.pdf>. Hampton, Kathryn. "Bosnia Oscar Nominee Tells 'Story After ' Srebrenica." Http://www.balkaninsight.com. Http://birn.eu.com/en/page/home, 11 Dec. 2011. Web. 12 Dec. 2012. <http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/article/bosnia-oscar-nominee-tells-story-after-srebrenica>.