Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-Chairman Michael Grimm (R-NY) will host the Capitol Hill premiere of ‘Voyage to Amasia’ – a moving documentary by Eric V. Hachikian and Randy Bell depicting the ravages of the Armenian Genocide and the modern-day impact of the Turkish government’s denial, by tracing the journey of survival of Hachikian’s grandmother, Helen Shushan.
The Capitol Hill Screening will be held on July 24th at 6:00 pm at the Capitol Hill Visitor Center, Room HVC-200. A pre-screening reception, and the actual screening, will be followed by a panel discussion, sponsored by the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA), featuring the film-makers Hachikian and Bell.
“’Voyage to Amasia’ is a moving, heartfelt film that highlights both the immense tragedy and intense courage still borne by the Armenian people to this day. As Co-Chair of the Congressional Armenian Caucus, I salute this poignant visual piece for keeping the deep wounds and salient legacy of the Armenian Genocide in the hearts and minds of the world community. If we are to ever move forward and learn from this awful tragedy, and do justice to the victims and their descendants, we must never forget to commemorate and remember those who were lost. ‘Voyage to Amasia’ stands as a shining example of that noble endeavor, and I am proud to host its Congressional screening,” said Rep. Grimm.
“The arts – and particularly film – are an increasingly powerful and effective means of communicating with Congress and the foreign policy community about the ongoing costs of the Armenian Genocide,” said Aram Hamparian, ANCA Executive Director. “We want to thank Congressman Grimm for hosting this premiere screening and to share our appreciation with Eric and Randy for producing such a moving a remarkable film.”
‘Voyage to Amasia’ documents composer Eric Hachikian’s return to his ancestral home – Amasia, Turkey – nearly 100 years after Ottoman soldiers deported his grandmother, Helen Shushan, and her family during the Armenian Genocide. Eric first learned about Amasia from his grandmother, who told him she hoped to take him there someday. The film traces a path through the past, exploring how the events of nearly a century ago continue to strain the relationship between Armenians and Turks. Inspired by one family’s story, the filmmakers embark on their own journey in the hopes of finding a greater understanding between two peoples still at odds. Voyage to Amasia was the winner for best documentary at the Pomegranate Film Festival in 2011. It was also awarded Winner, Jury Award, at the Alexandria Film Festival 2012.
