(VIDEO) Where a child was killed, truth has sprung: Memory is resistance – the story of Amel

The documentary "Sniper Alley – To My Brother" is a poignant tribute by Džemil Hodžić to his brother Amel, killed by a sniper in 1995 in Sarajevo.

Amel was only 16 years old and dreamed of becoming an artist. His childhood was interrupted by crime, but Džemil gave him a voice – through the project “Sniper Alley Photo”.

Years later, Džemil collects war photographs and testimonies of photojournalists, preserving the truth about the siege of Sarajevo.

The film “Sniper Alley – To My Brother” is a story of loss, struggle, and the relentless need to remember and bear witness.

It is a voice for 1,601 killed children, and a reminder that truth must outlive us. The film was directed by Cristiana Lucia Grilli and Francesco Toscani.

Where a child was killed, truth has sprung: Memory is resistance – the story of Amel!@SniperAlleyPhot #Sarajevo #siege pic.twitter.com/gSUHo7bbYH

— Patria (@AgencijaPatria) May 3, 2025

Below is the text by Džemil Hodžić

By: Džemil Hodžić

OUR DEAR AMELE…

Thirty years ago, on May 6, 1995, my late brother was buried at the Kovači Martyrs' Cemetery. Amel Hodžić.

A Serbian sniper killed Amel on May 3rd in our street while he was playing tennis.

I remember that our friend Sanela gave a speech, a speech I might have listened to once or twice in the last 30 years. I don't know if I could ever watch it to the end, but for this post, I had to, and that's why I want to share it with you.

I am sharing her painful words so that it remains recorded and so that we do not forget what we went through and what we are still going through today.

No child, anywhere, at any time, should have to write these words for their friends:

Our dear Amele
The sadness and pain are inexpressible
That we feel these days
Especially now at the moment
When we are saying goodbye to you forever

The enemy's hand
Has forever
Separated you from us

And in this difficult moment
With great pain
In our hearts
We secretly wonder
Who is next

Our dear Amele
We ourselves do not know
If we will live to see
These enemies liberated
But we know
That we will always
Remember you fondly
Because this is not the end for us

Our shared childhood
Can never be taken away from us
By anyone

You will live forever with us

Because those like you
Never die

May you have eternal peace
And may God grant you
Beautiful paradise

Those who love you very much
Your friends from the street

For the sake of God, El Fatiha