Valery was born in Buffalo, New York, and has lived in Sarajevo since 1999. Her PhD focused on Bosnia’s post-war political reconstruction, and she has worked throughout the country on various democracy and human rights initiatives. Her professional and academic work targets a narrow policy audience, and she’s now trying to use film to get more people interested in international issues that increasingly affect us all.

Asmir was born in Tuzla, and has worked as a producer, editor and cinematographer for over 2 decades.  Throughout his career, he  has worked on documentary films, TV shows and video spots, including Halid Bunić Vječni, Maglaj – rat i mir, Urbani rudari,  and Naša snaga.

Sue spent over a decade in Moscow during its tumultuous post-Cold War transition, as a student, magazine editor, translator, teacher and field producer for CBS News. She worked in Ukraine before coming to Sarajevo in 2010 to work on a media development project. She holds a Master’s degree in Russian Language and Literature and Certificate of Advanced Study in Russian Translation from SUNY-Albany, and has a BA from Mt. Holyoke College.

Paja was born in Sarajevo and was studying forestry science when the war broke out. He was in the army throughout the war with Kemo and Niklovani, and was on the long-range recon team. He worked in Italy, Croatia and elsewhere. He speaks fluent Italian and English. He’s worked in various  logistical, managerial and technical positions in the region, travelled as a roadie supporting various bands and artists in the region, and has sung professionally in bars in and around Sarajevo. He also provides tourism support to people visiting Bosnia, Croatia and the region in general.

Spaho was born in Sarajevo, growing up in the historic old town, and the Spaho family has a long history in the city. His passions in life are vintage cars, beer and rock music. He’s lived in Italy and Slovenia.

Niklovani is the guy you want to hang out with in a kafana, as he knows all the old songs and jokes, and will have you laughing as the rakia flows. He works in construction, and has worked on heavy-duty construction sites in Bosnia, Germany, Dubai and beyond.

Kemo is a jack of all trades, and has worked as a soldier, farmer and bouncer. He’s famous for his cookouts in the hills of Borija outside of Sarajevo, and it’s impossible to find a kafana in the old town where they don’t know him.