Nanna Frank Møller and Zlatko Pranjić are the directors behind the art of Polish documentary film “The Sky Above Zenica” due for release in 2024. Focusing on the extensive environmental pollution of Zenica in Bosnia and Herzegovina, caused by the presence of a huge steel and coking plant, which takes one-fourth of the area of the city. Industrial activity was and still remains a cause of already high rates of cancer in the region, childhood diabetes and respiratory problems in affected children. .
The plot tells of Eko Forum as a citizens’ initiative led by activist Samir Lemes and their battles against the responsible corporation, politicians looking for jobs and investments, and the European Union which provides co-funding for the corporation without eco-friendly regulations. The film seeks to present the plight of a community where economic and political forces are resolved to neglect their health for the sake of development and investment and where people are determined to fight for a holistic development of their people, a vision more orientated towards sustainability.
Throughout the span of over seven years of production, the directors managed to witness the social turmoil of the inhabitants of Zenica while the film outlines the global context of industrial waste and the quest for eco-justice. This and other works have been shown at numerous European events including the Sarajevo Film Festival and the Rab Film Festival, which featured it than others, garnering special praise.
“The Sky Above Zenica” makes an important contribution to the debate about environmentalism, corporate accountability, and the social cost of industrialization while telling a story that will be appreciated by all audiences across the globe raising concerns about health and the environment.