I was a young woman in college when I first heard of Bosnia. News came out about the break-up of the former Yugoslavia and the instability it caused. By early 1992, the war was in full force. War is never pretty but soon the Serbs (primarily) stepped over a very dark line. The area was under-siege and women were being systematically raped as a tool for genocide. Ethnic cleansing. The stories were horrific and the world sat too quietly.

With little information, my two sisters and brother-in-law made our way into a tiny room filled with a dozen people from Palo Alto. We listened as either an Ambassador or Congressman (trying so hard to recall his name) passionately shared the stories from the front line and we even heard a woman explain her story of survival. Despite wanting to help, there wasn’t a lot we go do at that time. It was still barely in the news. The stories were intense and REAL. At that moment, I realized that this was my generation’s holocaust. I was both scared and angry and in my early 20′s…I wasn’t sure what to do with all of that.

Following the meeting, we wrote letters and spread the word with each opportunity. If only twitter was around at that time! Heartbreakingly the atrocities continued while many of us wept. I haven’t seen Jolie’s film and hope to soon. Knowing only a small fragment of this historical time, I am certain the film will be an intense lesson in both history and humanity…a film everyone should see. We all need to know these stories. Regardless of how many miles or oceans may separate us, we are all ONE.

Now, take a look at the movie trailer. I must admit it looks AMAZING! Does this mean Angie’s film is coming to OWN: the Oprah Winfrey Network? Hummmm. Don’t forget to join us for a live tweet with Angelina Jolie & O Magazine. Here is the link to check in!