Sarajevo, the Bosnian-Herzegovina host city of the 1984 Winter Olympics, was under attack during the 1992-95 war. Street fighting, shelling and snipers made the city a dangerous place. While “peace” was attained Catholic, Bosnian and Serbian killings continue at a far lesser scale and the haunting memories of the war left no true peace.
The documentary is one of those against all odds genre sports film. Three young men and Senad an experienced luge coach train on an Olympic era dilapidated luge track, at least when curious tourists and cyclist aren’t walking or cycling on it. The 875,000 Euros required to rebuild the track are not forthcoming nor is there any serious state or private financial support for the young athletes. Senad maintains the crumbling edifice the best he can at his own expense.
An aura of gloom, bad memories and hopelessness hang heavy in the city air. Youth unemployment is high and governmental corruption is rampant. The young men and Senad struggle on with a purpose of competing in the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing. Had it not been for this seemingly impossible goal one wonders what would have become of these young athletes.
With familial monetary sacrifice the three men attend junior championships and Olympic qualifying events with one of young men Mirza Nikolajev competing in Beijing not winning any medal but causing Sarajevan’s to smile for once. Given the lack of proper training facilities, funding and top line equipment Mirza’s Olympic appearance impossible to achieve becomes a possibility.
This Bosnian “Cool Running” story is and pardon that oft used term “heart warming”.
This Canadian documentary is co- written and directed by Ryan Sidhoo and will be having its Canadian premiere on 27/30April, 2025 at Hot Docs.
RKS 2025 Canadian Documentary Rating 88/100.
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