BLOG · Review: “Peacemaker”

Written by Sofi Avetisyan
Film and Photographic Studies at Leiden University  

Peacemaker (2025) is an award-winning Croatian documentary that follows the events surrounding the assassination of Osijek police chief Josip Reihl-Kir (1955-1991) during the Croatian-Serbian war. It was directed by Ivan Ramljak and produced by Nenad Puhovski – Factum.

Archival material is used to showcase the documentary’s storyline with striking clarity, which only historical footage can convey. That historical event is narrated through various points of view that are shared in the form of interviews that coherently build the story, juxtaposed with archival materials, such as documents, news footage and many recordings taken prior and during the war.  

Peacemaker not only reviews what has happened during Reihl-Kir’s final months, it also provides different perspectives about who Josip was as a person. A man who tried to use his position of power to navigate towards peace. A man who was more present for his country than for his family. A man stubbornly following his humanitarian ideals and moral compass during a heated political conflict, that despite his best efforts, still escalated into a violent war.  

Moreover, the documentary covers the latest moments surrounding the assassination in great depth by describing how they unfolded in detail. And yet, the full truth remains unknown to this day. A powerful and thought-provoking moment of silence occurs on screen, while the film shows a sequence of photographs from the assassination location. A moment of silence that respects Reihl-Kir’s memory, selflessness and altruism.  

Peacemaker is meant to be seen and talked about, as it explores the Croatian-Serbian conflict and its historical significance. A war that reshaped the socio-political landscape of the region and left a mark across generations and continues to do so to this day. It is important to reflect on history, not only as something that has happened in the past, but as a means to grapple with an understanding of what it means to be a hero and stand by your morals and beliefs until the very end.  

Save the date and watch this masterful documentary during the festival at Filmhuis Den Haag!

Saturday 7 November 14:00