Facts Not Fiction Serbia is part of the international Facts Not Fiction initiative, launched by EuroClio in cooperation with partners from Finland, Germany, Romania, and Serbia, including Arolsen Archives, Terraforming, and the Institute Cultural from Timișoara. The project focuses on researching and presenting local histories of individuals and groups persecuted by the Nazis and their collaborators, with the aim of making these histories accessible and relevant to contemporary audiences.
The Serbian team, composed of teachers and students, concentrated on uncovering the stories of former pupils from Belgrade whose education and lives were disrupted during the Second World War. Through extensive archival research, collaboration with museums and institutions, and engagement with primary historical sources, participants reconstructed lesser-known personal histories and brought them into public awareness.
The project resulted in a series of multimedia outputs, including films, podcasts, and creative formats such as graphic narratives. Among the key works are the films “40 Names”, dedicated to students of the Third Belgrade Grammar School, and “Notes from the Margins, 1942”, focusing on students of the Fourteenth Belgrade Grammar School.
By combining rigorous historical research with contemporary storytelling approaches, Facts Not Fiction Serbia demonstrates how complex and sensitive histories can be communicated responsibly in the 21st century. The project highlights the importance of distinguishing fact from fiction while fostering critical thinking and historical awareness among younger generations.
For its quality, creativity, and the active involvement of young participants, the Serbian team was awarded an Honourable Mention in the ENRS Journalism Award.
Producer: Martina Krivokapic
Project coordinators: Maja Keskinov, Zorana Matićević