This was perhaps, the most impressive, diverse and arty
programme I have ever seen in any country re the anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. From the outside installation to the in-house design, from the leaflets and posters to the impressive variety of performances, concerts, films and events, including concert by Arto Tunçboyacıyan and world preview premiere of the Armenian Genocide themed film "1915" (see my brief reflections towards the end).
I am a big fan of independent cinemas and venues, and Maxim Gorky
theatre in Berlin is exactly my type of the venue.
The influence of one of my all-time fave couples
Atom Egoyan and
Arsinée Khanjian was palpable, with the design themes à la
Parajanov.
Concert by
Arto Tunçboyacıyan was enjoyable, albeit somewhat lacklustre, lacking usual Arto's drive. I was told that his luggage didn't arrive in time. Not sure if this affected his mood.
There was also a world preview premiere of the new Armenian Genocide themed film "1915" by Garin Hovannisian [son of Armenia's ex-FM Raffi Hovannisian and grandson of well known historian Richard Hovannisian] and Alec Mouhibian. I thought it was mainly directed at Diaspora Armenians. Kudos to directors for attempting at portraying it in an unconventional way, raising some challenging questions. However, I am not convinced re the overall execution of the film, with unstable narratives and performances. But it will certainly generate discussions.
[in picture above: Alec Mouhibian, Garin Hovannisian and Nikolai Kinski during the Q&A]
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