The Old Lie

“The Old Lie” emerged from a deep personal and intellectual reckoning with the human cost of conflict. Joon and Julia, participants in the 2024 Humanity in Action Sarajevo Fellowship, were profoundly moved by the lingering effects of war in Bosnia and Herzegovina, a region still echoing with memories of violence, displacement, and loss. Against this backdrop, the peers sought a medium that could capture the emotional weight of such experiences while advocating for human rights and social justice. They found that voice in poetry: a timeless and universal language capable of transcending political divides, provoking empathy, and challenging silence. The project’s title itself references Wilfred Owen’s haunting critique of war propaganda, pointing to the often-romanticized lies told about conflict.

Project Development

From its inception, “The Old Lie” was designed as an inclusive platform. Joon and Julia envisioned a digital literary magazine that would elevate untold stories, particularly those of soldiers, civilians, and marginalized communities, whose narratives are often excluded from dominant historical accounts. They issued a call for submissions to poets, writers, and artists from around the world, inviting them to contribute original work exploring themes of war, peace, memory, and justice. Emphasizing experimental forms and diverse perspectives, the editors fostered a creative space that not only documented personal and collective traumas but also celebrated resilience, critique, and imagination.

Project Implementation

To bring their vision to life, Joon and Julia launched an online magazine, funding the domain name and website entirely out of pocket. Their grassroots approach underscored the belief that meaningful change does not require vast resources – only conviction, creativity, and community. Through the magazine, contributors from various countries engaged in a global dialogue on conflict, justice, and reconciliation. The project challenged readers to confront the human cost of war and to consider how poetry, as a pacifistic art form, can serve as a tool for advocacy and reflection. By curating a collection of works that cut across geographic and cultural lines, “The Old Lie” positioned itself as both a literary and ethical intervention.

Next Steps

“The Old Lie” is only just beginning. Joon and Julia plan to continue expanding the magazine by publishing both original and classical poetry that addresses the realities and repercussions of war. As the project grows, so too does the opportunity for others to get involved, whether by submitting their own work, engaging with the published content, or helping to spread the word. With its open, evolving format, “The Old Lie” remains a living archive of resistance, remembrance, and hope… an enduring invitation to confront the old lies of war with new voices of truth.

Learn more and contribute:

• visit The Old Lie website
• join the growing Instagram community committed to using art as a force for peace

Updated July 2025