PASADENA–Assemblyman Jack Scott (D Pasadena) announced today that a key hurdle has been passed in securing &17,400 for the Armenian Film Foundation. The legislature’s Budget Conference Committee adopted funding for the costs associated with the completion of producing "The Witnesses." A feature length documentary film about the Armenian Genocide–"The Witnesses" will be used by educational institutions and public television stations.
The film will share with the American public the atrocities suffered by the Armenia’s that lived and died during the Genocide. "The Armenian Genocide during 1915-1923 was the first genocide of the 20th Century–in which 1.5 million men–women–and children lost their lives at the hands of despots. It is important to remember this atrocity and to learn from it so that it may never be relived"–stated Assembly Scott.
Last year’s budget included $463,785 to the Armenian Film Foundation for the film. A delay in receiving funding from the Arts Commission resulted in additional overtime and production costs for the Armenian Film Foundation. The $78,400 in this year’s budget pays off the remainder of the costs of the film–which was produced in time for the 85th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.
The legislature’s Budget Conference Committee will report the budget to the floors of both the Assembly and Senate. After both houses approve it–the budget will go before the Governor for his signature. Although this funding is not finalized yet in the budget–Assemblyman Scott will continue to stress its importance until the budget is signed: "Armenian Americans continue to enrich our state with their leadership in so many ways–including business–government and the arts. This film will provide the American public with a greater understanding of Armenian history."