The DNA of Dignity
In the anonymity of the mass graves, a team of forensic scientists is looking for the last evaluable traces of human DNA. Their goal: to return their names and their dignity to the victims.
The Balkan War of the Nineties resulted in the disappearance of thousands of people; their remains may possibly be missing forever. Survivors and those left behind pin their hopes on excavations and scientific work. Forensic anthropologists and archaeologists work with great concentration. Bone by bone, a person takes shape. Will they also take on an identity? Will relatives finally receive closure and a grave to anchor their remembrance and grief?
Cast
- Mother
- Muniba Muftic
The DNA of Dignity
Jan Baumgartner
- Documentary
- Production Country / Year
- Switzerland 2022
- Language
- bs., sr., hr. OF mit de. UT
- Format
- DCP, Color, 60min
2.39:1, Discrete 5.1
Director & Crew
Jan Baumgartner
Born in 1987 in Switzerland. Trained in Health Care and Nursing. Active as a director and producer.
Filmography
2016 ALAFIA, Kurzdokumentarfilm
2018 TALKING SOIL, Kurzdokumentarfilm
2022 THE DNA OF DIGNITY, Dokumentarfilm HOF 2023
“Who are the people who have tirelessly been working since the end of the Balkan wars to restore dignity to the dead? To answer this question, I shall take you on a journey into an otherwise inaccessible world – the world of forensic anthropologists and archaeologists.
I would like to show that through reconciliation and the application of science, the bereaved are better equipped to confront their difficult pasts. Without addressing the issue of guilt, the film strives to break through the firm wall of silence.”
Jan Baumgartner
- Writer
- Jan Baumgartner
- Director of Photography
- Lukas Nicolaus
- Editor
- Jan Baumgartner
- Daniel Asadi Faezi
- Sound Designer
- Philip Hutter
- Music Composer
- Mario Batkovic
- Make-up
- Amila Duranovic
- Producer
- Jan Baumgartner