From conflict to peace - Living together in a post war setting

Abstract

In 2021, I traveled to the small mountain town of Chita, Colombia with my daughter by my side and a camera in hand. The town had endured decades of civil war and guerrilla control, leaving its inhabitants deeply scarred by violence and division. The town's history was a tapestry of conflicting allegiances, with families and neighbors pitted against one another, some supporting the government while others believed in the guerrilla's cause. This dramatic rift had torn the community apart, leaving wounds that seemed almost impossible to heal. Today, this division seems almost unbelievable. Despite the lack of formal reconciliation efforts or direct work on trauma from the war, the town appeared to be functioning surprisingly well, with few apparent conflicts. This intriguing dynamic inspired me to delve deeper into the experiences of three middle-aged men – Angel, Alberto, and Benjamin – who had grown up in Chita and lived through the 50 years of conflict in vastly different ways. Through conversations with these individuals, hearing their stories and perspectives on the conflict and the current situation in Chita, I gained valuable insights that have informed the development of my film "Above the Clouds"(Haukland, 2022) and this thesis. By exploring the diverse narratives and experiences of those who have lived through Chita's tumultuous history, this project aims to shed light on the complex interplay of trauma, reconciliation, and the human capacity for resilience in the afthermaths of conflict. The insights gained from this research will contribute to a deeper understanding of the social and psychological dynamics at play in post-conflict communities, offering valuable lessons for fostering sustainable peace and healing.