Matt Damon and Ben Affleck have coproduced Kiss the Future, a documentary that explores the resistance of Sarajevo and its art scene during the almost four-year siege in the 1990s, marked by the Bosnian War. The production features the participation of the Irish band U2whose music became a symbol of resistance for the inhabitants of the besieged city.
In a recent interview, Damon revealed that U2 initially showed resistance to linking their name to the project. “I went directly to them and told them about this project and they They showed some reluctance at first”Damon explained. The band expressed their concern about not wanting to focus the story on them, but on “the amazing people of Sarajevo and his relationship with U2’s music.
The documentary illustrates life in Sarajevo during the siege and how Bill Carter, an American aid worker, established contact with the gang after arriving in the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the midst of the conflict.
Inspired by the importance of U2’s music to Sarajevites, Carter secured an interview with the group before a concert in Italy that was broadcast on the local Sarajevo news. This marked the beginning of a significant effort by the band to raising international awareness about the war in Bosnia during his tours in the 1990s.
“We said to ourselves, ‘No, it’s about this incredible thing you guys did; it is about the role of art as an act of resistance in the world and in the lives of people and these people incredible people who literally risked their lives to go listen to music or play music in the middle of the siege,” Damon explained about how he convinced the group led by Bono.
The band finally performed at Sarajevo in September 1997, once the war was over. In this regard, Damon pointed out the importance of art as an act of resistance and the bravery of those who, in the midst of the siege, risked their lives to listen to or play music. The role of the musical ensemble, according to Damon, is central to the documentary’s narrative, highlighting the transformative impact of art in times of conflict.
The director of the film, Nenad Cicin-Sainwhose family is originally from the former Yugoslaviashared his inspiration to make Kiss the Future after attending a concert in Sarajevo in 2017, which commemorated the 20th anniversary of U2’s performance in 1996. This event served as a window to share what happened in his country and reflect on the role that the group played in that historical moment.
Cicin-Sain points out that U2 decided to perform in Sarajevo because they saw parallels with their own experience growing up in Ireland during the Troubles, a time marked by social injustice. Through their music and activism, the band sought to contribute to the cause. “And they saw a place where they could add value and contribute and have a purpose,” the filmmaker recalled of how music served as a tool of social and political change.
Kiss the Future is currently available in streaming through Paramount+offering audiences a deep look at the impact of the war in Bosnia and the powerful connection between music, resistance and hope of a people who fought to keep their culture and spirit alive in times of hopelessness.
Among other novelties, it is recalled that in February, during the 66th edition of the Grammy Awards, U2 delighted the public with an outstanding performance from the innovative stage of The Sphere in Las Vegas. The band chose this important music industry event to perform “Atomic City”one of their most recent songs, thus marking a memorable moment at the awards ceremony. Grammys 2024.
