World premiere of «August 10, 2019 – The days that followed»
As part of MEET 2026, we presented the world premiere of our completed short film production «August 10, 2019 – The days that followed».
The August 10 Foundation participated May 2026 at The Democracy Week in Kristiansand, contributing to the Muslim European Empowerment Program (MEET)—a platform bringing together Muslim leaders, academics, policymakers, and civil society actors from across Europe to strengthen democratic participation, dialogue, and cooperation.
As part of the program, the foundation presented the world premiere of our shortfilm documentary, «August 10, 2019 – The days that followed». The film offers a focused reflection on the aftermath of the terrorist attack in Bærum, highlighting personal experiences and the importance of dialogue and community in the time that followed.
In the introduction to the screening, the foundation underscored the importance of a collective response to extremism. The Al-Noor Islamic Center in Bærum chose to meet hatred with dialogue and openness. They took the initiative to establish a memorial and learning center and The August 10 Foundation, where students and other groups can learn about the prevention of radicalization and extremism.
Helge Langerud Heikkilä, Educational Advisor at the August 10 Foundation.
The documentary forms part of the foundation’s wider work on remembrance, education, and countering extremism. Developed with support from UNESCO and Fritt Ord, and directed by Norwegian-Palestinian filmmaker Rania Iraki, the film contributes to ongoing conversations about resilience, responsibility, and the role of civil society in safeguarding democratic values.
The screening was followed by a panel discussion titled «Consequences and the Future» chaired by Birgit Amalie Nilsen, Head of Outreach at ARKIVET Peace and Human Rights Centre. The panel brought together perspectives from across sectors and lived experiences, including producer Lisana Preteni; Syed Muhammad Ashraf, former imam at the Al-Noor Islamic Centre in Bærum; Aayan Muhammad Iqbal, who visited the center as a student; Oemar S. Dilmahomed, Military Chaplain from the Netherlands; and Helge Langerud Heikkilä, Educational Advisor at the August 10 Foundation.
The discussion explored the long-term consequences of extremist violence, the importance of inclusive memory work, and how institutions and communities can work together to build trust and resilience. Particular emphasis was placed on engaging young people, creating spaces for dialogue, and ensuring that responses to extremism strengthen—rather than weaken—democratic values.
From left to right: Helge Langerud Heikkilä, Educational Advisor at the August 10 Foundation; Aayan Muhammad Iqbal, former student visitor to the center; Lisana Preteni, documentary producer; Syed Muhammad Ashraf, former imam at the Al-Noor Islamic Center in Bærum; Oemar S. Dilmahomed, Military Chaplain from the Netherlands; and Birgit Amalie Nilsen, Head of Outreach at ARKIVET Peace and Human Rights Centre.
MEET and The Democracy Week provided a vital European arena for exchanging experiences and building partnerships across borders. Through a diverse program that included interfaith dialogue, public discussions, and collaborative sessions, participants addressed shared challenges facing muslims in European societies today.
The August 10 Foundation expresses its gratitude for the opportunity to take part in these conversations and to contribute to a growing European network committed to democracy, inclusion, and community-building.
Watch a preview of the movie:
If anyone is interested in a screening of the film or would like to use it in their work, please feel free to contact us at post@stiftelsen10august.no
The August 10 Foundation is a peace and human rights center that operates a memorial and learning center with an exhibition based on the murder of Johanne Zhangjia Ihle-Hansen and the terrorist attack on the Al-Noor Islamic Centre in Bærum, Norway on August 10, 2019. The foundation works to prevent radicalization and extremism, and to promote democracy and human rights through education and dialogue activities. The foundation’s primary target group is youth and young adults.