Prahl: Kid's Festival is part of the cultural heritage that belongs to everyone and we want to preserve it as such

The Kid's Festival, which will be held for the thirteenth time this year, has become a kind of part of BiH's cultural heritage. Due to the neglect and disinterest of those who should be most responsible in this country, the survival of the largest event for children and youth in this part of Europe is questionable. On the eve of the 13th Festival edition, which begins tomorrow, and during which thousands of children from BiH will socialize and gain new experiences in Sarajevo, we spoke with the creator of the project, Susanne Prahl, director of the Kid's Festival.

Patria: When you started the Kid's Festival project in 2004, could you have imagined that it would grow into what we have today, the largest independent children's festival in this part of Europe?

Prahl: When you start a pilot project and enter its realization with all your heart and the best intentions for it to succeed, you tend to see it grow year after year, find more money, and above all, expect greater support from state institutions. Unfortunately, the Kid's Festival is a project that, despite its significance and contribution, which is not insignificant for both the capital city and the country, does not have significant, guaranteed, or regular financial assistance. Nevertheless, I must highlight the support of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Sarajevo Canton, which has been with us from the very beginning, and I cannot describe to you how proactive and dedicated a partner they are. I can also add that I sincerely hope for the fulfillment of the promises of the Sarajevo Canton and the Prime Minister of Sarajevo Canton, Elmedin Konaković, who should become official partners for the first time this year, because I am convinced that we are logical allies in this endeavor in every way. For everything else, I am very disappointed. I wonder how long it will take for the City of Sarajevo and the state to accept and experience the Kid's Festival as a reflection of multi-ethnicity and an important factor in the education and socialization of the youngest, whom we should see as the future that has no alternative.

Patria: How difficult was it to convince partners to support this project? Since 2015, the Festival has been under the patronage of UNESCO, which adds extra value to the idea itself? Given the problems you face, where do you draw energy for organizing the Festival?

Prahl: There are so many good people in this city and country, active, energetic, non-governmental organizations, schools that get involved, and then the Kid's team that volunteers throughout the year. I don't know if people can understand how significant it is for someone to give their time and energy to the Festival. I must say that I did not expect this at the very beginning, and it is a great surprise to me as well, and what is very positive in this whole story. The pillar of the Kid's Festival here and in the future all over the world will be volunteerism. People who get involved for the idea and are able to identify with the Kid's Festival, which becomes their lifestyle. It's not something that Susanne Prahl invented, but it is a cultural heritage that belongs to everyone and as such should develop and grow.
 
Patria: Lately, you have been successfully developing the international platform of the Kid's Festival. What does that mean in practice and how did you envision that concept? To what extent does that concept rely on the Kid's Festival in Sarajevo?

Prahl: I have created a universal concept that has enabled international recognition of our brand. My formula has succeeded, as evidenced by the fact that tens of thousands of children have visited the Kid's Festival over all these years. We have had a sponsor, one of the leading banks in BiH, for 10 years, and for the last two years, we have been implementing our programs under the patronage of UNESCO, which has given us a strong impetus for international development. My formula is simple: all it takes is one enthusiast in one country, and that person initiates the whole story. I was extremely pleased that we achieved this in Tunisia with great success. The mayor of Sidi Bou Said calls me, asks what is needed, respects us as volunteers, and includes our event in the annual calendar of city activities. I am immensely pleased that we will host the director of Kid's Fest Tunisia in Sarajevo this year. This summer, we expect the premiere edition of the Kids Festival in Italy, and there is a great possibility that we will launch something similar in France.

Patria: The Festival has hosted prominent figures over the years, including European officials. How much support do you have from BiH politicians, do they recognize the importance of this unique project? Is there support from the mayor?

Prahl: This is an event that connects children. BiH has its identity, which can also be realized through children. I don't understand and don't want to understand Bosnian politicians. Because anyone who wants to have any success in their country would support the Kid's Festival. No political party stands behind us; we are completely independent. Every politician should beg us to host them and ask how they, as the main and responsible representatives of the municipality, city, and state, can be of assistance.

Patria: You came to Sarajevo during the war. What memories do you associate with that period?

Prahl: I was here during the war. Sarajevo was the City of Europe; people fought for culture; it was a city of humor; people shared what they had; there was a spirit within people that began to fade. I wanted to create the Kid's Festival to revive that spirit again. It is perfectly logical that we need more financial resources than some other events, because it is about children who are our future, and whom we are preparing today to make a better society out of this present and to become quality people. We must all invest in them unconditionally.

Patria: As the creator, how do you view the years behind you, and how do you view the future of the Festival? From this perspective, would you change anything? Would you start this project if you knew what difficulties you would face?

Prahl: I don't know if I would start, but I see my role through my help and contribution to the development of democracy in society precisely through the Kid's Festival. However, I cannot and do not want to go against the state and its institutions. If there is no support, then we must conclude the story. Perhaps next year we will not be able to organize the Festival. I hope that politicians will think about what that would mean for all those children who eagerly look forward to the first week of vacation every year and socializing with their peers from all over BiH in one place. We are talking today about an entire generation that has grown up with the Kid's Festival.