Esma's Secret (Grbavica)

Plot Summary

Single mother Esma lives with her twelve-year-old daughter Sara in Sarajevos Grbavica neighbourhood, after life is still being reconstructed from 1990s Yugoslav wars. Unable to make ends meet with the meagre government aid she receives, Esma takes a job as a cocktail waitress in a nightclub. Working all night is difficult for Esma and forces her to reluctantly spend less time with her daughter. Still haunted by the past, Esma attends group therapy at the local womens centre. In addition to relying on her best friend Sabina, Esma also finds a kindred spirit in Pelda, a compassionate male co-worker from the nightclub. Feisty tomboy Sara begins to put soccer aside as she develops a close friendship with her classmate Samir. The two sensitive young teenagers feel a strong bond because both lost their fathers in the war. But Samir is surprised to hear Sara doesnt know the details of her fathers noble death. Saras father becomes an issue when she requires the certificate to prove he died a shaheed, a war martyr, so that she can receive a discount for an upcoming school trip. Esma claims acquiring the certificate is difficult since his body has yet to be found. Meanwhile, Esma searches desperately to borrow money to pay for Saras trip. Confused Sara becomes violently upset when some classmates tease her for not being on the list of martyrs children. Realizing her mother has paid full price for the school trip, Sara aggressively demands the truth. Esma breaks down and finally discloses the secret she has always harboured. As painful as their confrontation is, it is Esmas first real step toward overcoming her deep trauma. Despite Saras hurt, there is still an opening for a renewed relationship between mother and daughter.