Novi Sad Remembrance

North American Premiere

In January 1942, a dark chapter in history unfolded in the Serbian city of Novi Sad and its surrounding South Bačka region, an event that would be etched into the collective memory as simply "The Raid." In his poignant documentary Novi Sad Remembrance, director Aleksandar Reljić explores the horrors of this wartime atrocity, during which occupying Hungarian forces massacred nearly 4,000 civilians—predominantly women, children, and the elderly—under the guise of retaliation against local partisans. The film delves into the historical facts while shedding light on the ever-evolving narrative surrounding the event and its place in both personal and public memory.

Reljić anchors his story through the perspective of secondary school teacher and Holocaust educator Marija Vasić, who tirelessly works to preserve the memory of the victims. Through her public lectures, writings, and interviews with survivors, Vasić offers a deeply personal insight on the tragedy, ensuring the stories of those who lived through "The Raid" are not forgotten. Accompanied by a hauntingly somber score that brings life to the tragic story, Novi Sad Remembrance is a powerful meditation on the persistence of trauma and the necessity of remembrance, reminding us of the weight of history and the courage required to confront it.

Accompanying the film premiere is a discussion with director Aleksandar Reljic. To view the conversation please click here.