Here We Stand: Youth Stories in Bradford

From August 14 to 31, Bradford, UK, will host Here We Stand, an exhibition featuring short films created by young people from Sarajevo, Derry, and Bradford. The project is a collaboration between the War Childhood Museum (Bosnia and Herzegovina), The Peace Museum (UK), and the Museum of Free Derry (Northern Ireland), supported by the British Council and presented as part of Bradford City of Culture 2025.

Perspectives on Growing up in Post-Conflict Societies

Under the guidance of BAFTA-nominated filmmaker Elhum Shakerifar, participants aged 18–28 explored personal experiences of peace, conflict, and identity using their mobile phones as creative tools. In Sarajevo, the War Childhood Museum worked with mentor Mirza Ajnadžić to guide five young creators: Almir Agić, Hanan Alić, Demijan Ćatić, Luna Nur Jusupović, and Marko Pešikan.

The resulting films present perspectives on growing up in post-conflict societies, the legacies of war, and visions for a more peaceful future. Together with contributions from Derry and Bradford, they form a cross-border dialogue on memory, resilience, and activism.

The Exhibition as a Part of Bradford City of Culture 2025

Shanaz Gulzar, Creative Director of Bradford 2025, said that as one of the UK’s youngest cities, a City of Sanctuary, and a newly designated Cultural City of Sanctuary, Bradford is the ideal host for Here We Stand.

“Throughout our year we’re spotlighting Bradford’s dynamic youth culture, radical spirit and international connections. This exhibition sits at the intersection of history, identity, and creative expression — reaffirming Bradford’s position as a city of peace, protest, and innovation.”

Amina Krvavac, director of the War Childhood Museum in Bosnia and Herzegovina, said that in a world that continues to repeat the mistakes of the past, this exhibition reminds us that peace is not a passive idea, but a choice we make every day.

“By reflecting on identity, conflict and memory through their own lens, these young creators offer us both a warning and a vision: a future shaped by empathy, courage, and accountability.”

The exhibition runs until August 31, 2025 at Loading Bay in Bradford. Entry is free.