Young Derry filmmakers explore peace conflict and identity in new exhibition

Young filmmakers from Derry, Bradford and Sarajevo will be showcasing short-form films at a compelling new exhibition titled 'Here We Stand' as part of Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture.

Developed under the guidance of BAFTA-nominated film producer Elhum Shakerifar (A  Syrian Love Story/Almost Heaven), 'Here We Stand' brings together young voices from three  cities, each with rich and varied social histories. 

Young people aged between 18 and 28 in each city have taken part in workshops designed to build storytelling skills, experiment with mobile filming, and explore themes of identity, sanctuary, conflict and peace. The result is a collection of bold, personal, and deeply reflective films, each offering a glimpse into how young people today experience and imagine peace in the context of their everyday realities. 

Working in partnership with The Peace Museum (Bradford) the UK’s only museum dedicated to peace and protest, Museum of Free Derry dedicated to preserving and presenting the history of Derry during the pivotal period from 1968 to 1972, and War  Childhood Museum (Sarajevo) the world’s largest archive of stories about growing up  during war, this international project invites reflection on the past and a hopeful imagining of  the future, all told through the eyes of a new generation. 

Here We Stand has been made possible with support from the British Council; international  partner for Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture. They are supporting eleven projects  throughout the year, enabling artists to work internationally and create new networks and  cultural exchanges. International collaborations include Pakistan, Poland, Ireland,  Northern Ireland, Sarajevo, Kenya, Ghana and Togo. 

Shanaz Gulzar Creative Director of Bradford 2025 said: “As one of the UK’s youngest cities, a City of Sanctuary, and a newly designated Cultural  City of Sanctuary, Bradford is the perfect host for Here We Stand. Throughout our year we’re  spotlighting Bradford’s dynamic youth culture, radical spirit and international connections.  This exhibition sits at the intersection of history, identity, and creative expression — reaffirming Bradford’s position as a city of peace, protest, and innovation.” 

Amina Krvavac, Director, War Childhood Museum, BiH said: “At the War Childhood Museum, we believe that young people must be at the heart of  conversations about peace. Projects like Here We Stand create space for their voices—not  only to be heard, but to lead.

"In a world that continues to repeat the mistakes of the past, this  exhibition reminds us that peace is not a passive idea, but a choice we make every day. By  reflecting on identity, conflict and memory through their own lens, these young creators offer  us both a warning and a vision: a future shaped by empathy, courage, and accountability.”

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Ruth Mackenzie, Director of Arts for the British Council said: "The British Council is proud to support Here We Stand, a project that demonstrates our  commitment to connecting young voices across cultures and borders. These young artists  are not just documenting their realities, they're actively shaping narratives of peace and  possibility for the future.

"Through their authentic storytelling, we see how arts and culture  can bridge divides and create spaces for meaningful exchange about some of our most  pressing shared challenges." 

'Here We Stand' is part of Bradford 2025’s mission to create opportunities for young people, connect communities across borders, and reshape narratives through art. The free exhibition runs from August 14 to 31 2025 at Loading Bay.