For years, I have wondered why there were not enough stories about the Armenian Genocide on film. There are several novels, both fiction and nonfiction, that describe the atrocities of the massacre of over one million Armenians in Europe by the Turkish government at the beginning of the 20th century, but they have been kept away from the mainstream eye. I have realized that this is a complex issue, as the Turkish government denies that the events happened, and thus take no responsibility for its actions. Even the United States have yet to use the word, “genocide”, for fear of ruining its economically beneficial relationship with Turkey. How could something so devastating to an entire people go unnoticed? How could it not even register as a blip on the radar of the troubled history of modern day Turkey? Novels by Peter Balakian, an Armenian author, namely, “Black Dog of Fate”, are quintessential reads about the genocide that occurred. Family stories that have been passed down through generations, accounts that have served as a reminder to future generations that our relatives endured such hardships so that we may live free and happy lives, tales of heroism, pride, brutality, rape, murder, banal evil, denial, coverup, and redemption. These are invaluable not just to Armenian people, but to anybody with a heart filled with love and that has a desire to seek justice. My family has its own stories. Though unique, they represent the essence of the Armenian struggle to overcome genocide and ensure a preservation of culture, an entire race. I intend to tell this story without hesitation, with an uncompromising eye, true to my people, and for all of the victims of the genocide, both past and present.

I truly feel that film is now the most important art form. It engages the viewer’s senses and allows for an all-encompassing visual and emotional experience. It can reach to the masses, leave lasting impressions, and it can help shape lives; no other medium can get through to our youth in the way that film can.