Will we ever get the Armenian Genocide film we deserve?

[One-Way]

I've been kicking this thought in my head since I was a childhood. Will we ever get the Armenian Genocide film we deserve? A film which is supported by the right production company, distribution and filmmakers. A film which gains enough attention around the world yet still tells the story of the Armenian Genocide.

Atom Egoyan's Ararat didn't make the impact we had all hoped. Perhaps it was never meant to; after all, it did tell the story of the Armenian Genocide yet Egoyan intertwined parallel stories around this event. While a solid film, it didn't accomplish much on the Armenian Genocide level and certainly didn't increase much awareness.

Firstly, where would we get the material for the screenplay? Original or adapted? There have been several dated articles which claim screenwriter José Rivera has adapted Micheline Aharonian Marcom's novel Three Apples Fell from Heaven into a screenplay. Although I haven't read the novel, these articles did mention if this was made into a film, it would be the equivalent of Schindler's List. Recent news claims Mel Gibson has backed away from the Musa Dagh project, which only makes us wonder if a film will ever see light of day.

I would love to see the day when a film is put into production. However, I wouldn't want non-Armenians to be behind the project, which is why I was uncomfortable with Mel Gibson taking on the film. I would love to see an Armenian writer, director and actors handle the project.

What do you think? Will we break free and make a film as powerful as Schindler's List? How will the film come to light? Who will produce, direct, write the project? What will be the source of material? Original screenplay -- by interviewing survivors, families, etc? Or adapted screenplay -- from a novel, story, etc?

I personally would want experienced producers behind the film, non-Armenians. These people would give us the support we deserve. Imagine Spielberg and his team behind the film, producing. However, I would love an Armenian writer and director to team up to helm the project. The only director that comes to mind is Atom Egoyan, and I don't see him doing another Armenian Genocide film. I also believe original material is the way to go, without incorporating material we don't need. I think the story is enough to give the film substance, everything else can be created during the writing stages.

More importantly, how long do you think it will take for a film like this to break through? I don't mean for another Armenian Genocide film to come along, I mean one that truly captivates everybody. One that drops jaws, sends our message, possibly gets the Genocide recognized, sweeps the Academy Awards. Will this ever happen?

[Pazooki]

Re: Will we ever get the Armenian Genocide film we deserve?

I've been kicking this thought in my head since I was a childhood. Will we ever get the Armenian Genocide film we deserve? A film which is supported by the right production company, distribution and filmmakers. A film which gains enough attention around the world yet still tells the story of the Armenian Genocide.

Atom Egoyan's Ararat didn't make the impact we had all hoped. Perhaps it was never meant to; after all, it did tell the story of the Armenian Genocide yet Egoyan intertwined parallel stories around this event. While a solid film, it didn't accomplish much on the Armenian Genocide level and certainly didn't increase much awareness.

Firstly, where would we get the material for the screenplay? Original or adapted? There have been several dated articles which claim screenwriter José Rivera has adapted Micheline Aharonian Marcom's novel Three Apples Fell from Heaven into a screenplay. Although I haven't read the novel, these articles did mention if this was made into a film, it would be the equivalent of Schindler's List. Recent news claims Mel Gibson has backed away from the Musa Dagh project, which only makes us wonder if a film will ever see light of day.

I would love to see the day when a film is put into production. However, I wouldn't want non-Armenians to be behind the project, which is why I was uncomfortable with Mel Gibson taking on the film. I would love to see an Armenian writer, director and actors handle the project.

What do you think? Will we break free and make a film as powerful as Schindler's List? How will the film come to light? Who will produce, direct, write the project? What will be the source of material? Original screenplay -- by interviewing survivors, families, etc? Or adapted screenplay -- from a novel, story, etc?

I personally would want experienced producers behind the film, non-Armenians. These people would give us the support we deserve. Imagine Spielberg and his team behind the film, producing. However, I would love an Armenian writer and director to team up to helm the project. The only director that comes to mind is Atom Egoyan, and I don't see him doing another Armenian Genocide film. I also believe original material is the way to go, without incorporating material we don't need. I think the story is enough to give the film substance, everything else can be created during the writing stages.

More importantly, how long do you think it will take for a film like this to break through? I don't mean for another Armenian Genocide film to come along, I mean one that truly captivates everybody. One that drops jaws, sends our message, possibly gets the Genocide recognized, sweeps the Academy Awards. Will this ever happen?

Mel Gibson stated himself that the rumors of him canceling the idea of making the movie were lies.

[One-Way]

Re: Will we ever get the Armenian Genocide film we deserve?

Mel Gibson stated himself that the rumors of him canceling the idea of making the movie were lies.

Either way, I hope it doesn't happen for the reasons stated above.

[Pazooki]

Re: Will we ever get the Armenian Genocide film we deserve?

Either way, I hope it doesn't happen for the reasons stated above.

But is it worth it then having our people getting known out in the world?

[One-Way]

Re: Will we ever get the Armenian Genocide film we deserve?

But is it worth it then having our people getting known out in the world?

In my opinion, it's not going to make the impact I was talking about. This is another story, focusing on a certain area and time. I was talking about an overall story of the Armenian Genocide; having some Armenians in the film, not Sylvester Stallone!

[merhayrenik]

Re: Will we ever get the Armenian Genocide film we deserve?

We're not good at producing movies.
We need help from Israelis.

[Sako]

Re: Will we ever get the Armenian Genocide film we deserve?

Great question, One-Way. I've asked this actually in many different places and I guess I've come to realize that if anything has to be made, we'll have to make it ourselves. Armenians have to pull themselves together and get a proper movie made, a movie that can match the current Hollywood standards. Our story is very powerful and I know we can translate it all into a masterpiece. Here are my views.

1. We want a movie, not a film. Ararat was a film and I agree, it didn't get us really anywhere. It was more of an intro you can say. The real AG movie we all want is only in our minds unfortunately at the moment.

2. Now, let me ask you something. How can a movie like the one we want be made? I hear many say that Armenians have to get it made. Well, let me present to you all a piece of information. A new Armenian movie called Taxi, Eli Lave has been released. It will be unveiled on the 25th of this month. TEN ARMENIAN DIRECTORS have worked on that movie and pretty much every Armenian actor we know of is in it. From the trailer, I got the impression that it is a big step forward but this type of a movie could be probably made by one Hollywood or Bollywood director. Why did TEN DIRECTORS have to make it? We don't have enough juice, that's why. We don't have enough experience. I simply can't WAIT to see what these TEN DIRECTORS did! I'm not criticizing, I just can't believe TEN DIRECTORS were required to make such a movie. I can imagine how many directors would be needed to make an AG Movie with high standards. We'd break a record for the most directors ever working on one single movie .

3. I think the only real Armenian soap operas that deserve attention are Vervaratsnerun Untanikum and Vorogait. They look more like movies then serials. The cameras used are great and let us remember that Verv. was the first Armenian soap opera. Look at how far it has come. Vor. is being made by the same director and writer. My point is that if a movie has to be made, we need proper cameras and everything. I watched the Lark Farm but it seemed like a film rather then a movie. Actually, it seemed more like a serial. Plus, I felt as if it was describing an Italian Genocide rather then the Armenian Genocide. It wasn't made by Armenians, that's why it felt a bit awkward perhaps. To top it off, there were no Armenians in the movie and the whole setting didn't feel right either. The directors seemed to have very limited knowledge about Armenia. I agree with you One-Way, outsiders have to work WITH Armenians to get anything done, not alone.

_______________________________________________

I'd like to be a bit more open from here on.

I think the question we should be asking One-Way is what story would be suitable for a movie. I haven't read Musa Dagh or Three Apples. but to tell you the truth, I'm not very keen on watching a movie based on articles, books, etc. Why? Because when people watch these type of movies, they always look for mistakes almost naturally. Look at the HP movies. The books were great and I wish I could say the same about the movies. They removed so much from the books it almost got boring. I'd leave the theater if I knew Musa Dagh or Three Apples. was made into a movie and so many parts from the book were removed from the script. That's the problem with turning books into movies/films.

I truly think that if we want to produce something powerful we'll have to come up with a script that challenges the current Hollywood standards. It should have everything in it, not just guns and blood. It is very hard to impress the current generation because all types of movies come out daily. So, what type of story would impress people? Many directors/writers don't know what to film, I'm sure.

I think some pros from the US and perhaps other parts of the world as well will have to work with us side by side to get our story told. Armenians can't do it alone, period. Atom Egoyan didn't make a great movie but he definitely made a solid movie. I doubt many Armenians will be able to even do that. Why? Because we don't have enough experience. Plus, some great actors from the west should definitely be in the movie. It's definitely a good move. I loved the Last Samurai for example. I loved Memoirs of a Geisha. They were truly amazing movies, not films. Memoirs of Geisha is a book which I look forward to reading but still, I think the movie was great. Not every director can make a movie based on a book.

Coming back to Mel Gibson. I don't think he would do a really bad job. He has experience and I'm sure he'll work with Armenians. He won't be careless enough to direct it all alone without Armenian support. It is after all our history. I kinda look forward to his movie if it ever comes out.

I have a lot more to say but to make a long story short, I think we should start talking about stories that would translate into good movies but MOST IMPORTANTLY stories that would present Armenia and our culture professionally. For almost four years now, for example, I've been working on a script of mine that presents our entire culture, country, history, etc. in an informative way. Most importantly, it's something new. It's not based on a book or anything. It's packed with tons of facts but the movie itself isn't based on them. It has a special story to tell. When I get into the movie industry here in Armenia, I'll definitely try to make it. I've been wanting to get in for a long time but constant traveling didn't give me a chance to.

So that's me. I think we should think about scripts much more then whether or not we can get them made. Let's get to the river first before thinking of ways to cross it.

[Sako]

Re: Will we ever get the Armenian Genocide film we deserve?

What do you think? Will we break free and make a film as powerful as Schindler's List? How will the film come to light? Who will produce, direct, write the project? What will be the source of material? Original screenplay -- by interviewing survivors, families, etc? Or adapted screenplay -- from a novel, story, etc?

I think a new, surprising, and interesting, not to mention exciting story would do wonders. We can add tons of facts into the story in intuitive ways. But basing a movie on the facts themselves might not give us what we want.

Right now, I think ONE movie has to be made that can shake up Hollywood. We can do that because there aren't many movies based on the AG, only films. A proper movie could do wonders. People aren't prepared for that. Look at Armenia. Whenever a movie comes out, everyone is so excited. Why? Because we don't see too many of them every year.

I personally would want experienced producers behind the film, non-Armenians. These people would give us the support we deserve. Imagine Spielberg and his team behind the film, producing. However, I would love an Armenian writer and director to team up to helm the project.

Amen to that .

The only director that comes to mind is Atom Egoyan, and I don't see him doing another Armenian Genocide film.

Perhaps but I don't think the Armenian film industry depends on Atom Egoyan. I don't really call Ararat a movie based on the AG either. I kept wanting to but it just wasn't possible. I even have Ararat at home and watch it from time to time but still, I'd rather say it's a movie about an Armenian family. I don't think Atom wanted to shake up Hollywood or anything. It was his career and I think he just wanted to try something new rather then make a powerful statement.

I also believe original material is the way to go, without incorporating material we don't need.

I'd actually like to hear your ideas. What type of story are you talking about? Give me a detailed example. I think adding a bit of fiction into the movie would be good. Only facts ruin the experience at times. Just my opinion.

More importantly, how long do you think it will take for a film like this to break through? I don't mean for another Armenian Genocide film to come along, I mean one that truly captivates everybody. One that drops jaws, sends our message, possibly gets the Genocide recognized, sweeps the Academy Awards. Will this ever happen?

Definitely. We just need to work on our ideas and bring everyone together. This new movie Taxi, Eli Lava shows that Armenians are trying to get something done. Let's not give up. I think we'll be getting a lot of surprises in the near future.

[bell-the-cat]

Re: Will we ever get the Armenian Genocide film we deserve?

Atom Egoyan didn't make a great movie but he definitely made a solid movie.

Ararat was a lumbering, clucking, turkey of a movie, only redeemed by Egoyan's wonderful way of dismissing its abject failure by saying its bad bits were bad because he had made them intentionally bad. And he got the diaspora, with its "when are you going to make an AG movie" demands, off his back for good.

[One-Way]

Re: Will we ever get the Armenian Genocide film we deserve?

It felt like Atom Egoyan was telling his personal story of the Genocide. Just like Aznavour's character says in the film he is filming an movie about the Armenian Genocide from his mother's perspective; I feel like Egoyan was doing one with his own personal values, hence the character of Arshile Gorky.

Saco, I agree that we don't have enough experience. However, you'd be surprised at how many Armenian filmmakers are graduating film school, getting their films recognized, etc. These are American rased Armenians who fit under the umbrella of Hollywood filmmaking. The day will come but what I fear is we'll have a bunch of average films, which will eventually degrade the entire meaning of a Genocide film.

Aside from this, the soap opera/serial you mentioned is terrible and I hate it with passion. Sorry. I wish I could find a copy of The Lark Farm, I've been meaning to see it for years.