System Of A Down lead vocalist provides narration for documentary that tells of decade-long blockade of Armenia
WASHINGTON–DC (ANCA)-"Armenia–a Country under Blockade," a powerful documentary film on the impact of Turkey’s blockade of Armenia was featured at the recently concluded Myrtle Beach International Film Festival–and has officially been selected for the upcoming "Golden Apricots," Yerevan’s International film festival–which will take place between July 12-17.
Narrated by System of a Down lead vocalist–Serj Tankian and directed by Diran Noubar–the 52-minute documentary film describes–in compelling images and through first-hand accounts–the human impact of Turkey’s decade-long–illegal blockade of Armenia. It has earned critical acclaim–including a standing ovation at the Cannes Festival’s film market held earlier this year. Academy Award nominee Atom Egoyan (1997-The Sweet Hereafter) has called "Armenia–a Country under Blockade" a "very worthy and important document."
The timing of the film’s release–on the eve of the European Union’s membership negotiations with Turkey–sparked a sharp reaction from Ankara–and interest for Europeans troubled by the prospect of accepting a member state that so flagrantly violates international law. The film was shot entirely in Armenia.
"Diran Noubar’s powerful work is bringing the story of Armenia–and the brutal impact of Turkey’s illegal blockade–to the attention of vast new international audiences," said Aram Hamparian–Executive Director of the ANCA. "We encourage Armenian Americans to watch this documentary–and just as importantly–to share it with their local elected officials–to arrange screenings for civic groups–and to encourage its broadcast by local television stations."
The film will be shown twice at the Golden Apricots–on July 12 at 5:00 PM and again on July 13 at 11:00 AM at the Cinema House at Moskva Movie Theater in Yerevan.
To purchase copies of the documentary–arrange a local community or university screening–or to encourage your local television station to broadcast this powerful message–contact: Diran Noubar–Kayane Productions–Inc.; 1901 Dorset Drive–Tarrytown–NY 10591; (917)459-4109