Feature Documentary: The Death of Yugoslavia

The Yugoslav wars of the 1990s were a chaotic era in Balkan history that saw some of the worst massacres on the European continent since the Second World War. Tackling such an issue as a documentary was more than challenging and yet, the BBC have managed to compile a compelling, insightful and, at times, surreal experience of a documentary. Released in 1995, The Death of Yugoslavia covers the breakup of the Yugoslavian Republic and the subsequent wars of independence.

The use of rare footage and actual interviews with the main players of the wars, particularly Serbian president Slobodan Milošević and the controversial president of Republika Srpska Radovan Karadžić. Due to the extensive interviews with such crucial players of the conflict, this documentary was used as evidence by the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia during the prosecution of parties guilty of war crimes. The documentary won a BAFTA in 1996 for Best Factual Accuracy

To people wishing to gain an insight into the Yugoslav wars, this documentary (though not perfect) is perhaps the best introduction, covering events up to 1995.

The full documentary is on YouTube but it is preferable to watch it in six parts. 

Part 1 - Enter Nationalism
 

 

 Part 2 - The Road To War

Part 3 - The Wars of Independence

Part 4 - The Gates of Hell

 Part 5 - A Safe Area

Part 6 - Pax Americana