Documentaries Provide Interesting Insight Into Armenian Culture

After watching Images of the Armenian Spirit, two words come to mind: inspiring and educational. Not only did the film refresh and reinforce my knowledge of Armenian culture and history, but it also reminded me of the beauty and unbreakable spirit of the Armenian people.

The telling one-hour documentary, which aired nationwide on PBS, was written, directed and produced by Muffie Dunn and Andrew Goldberg, both of Two Cats Productions, based in New York City. When the film aired August 10 in Fresno, members of the Armenian Students Organization volunteered locally for a pledge-drive for public television station KVPT.

The documentary sets out on a journey to explore and celebrate over 3,000 years of Armenian history, culture, and survival. With beautiful visuals and a subtle undertone of traditional Armenian music, the film gives an overview of Armenian history, ranging from tradition and belief to the present state of the country.

“For Armenians it’s a chance to see their story acknowledged on national television,” said Executive Producer Andrew Goldberg. “Too often Armenian history is not covered in the U.S. media because there are not enough large audiences to get the media to pay attention. For non-Armenians, a film like this can teach them a little bit about who Armenians are and importantly, teach them the true story of the Genocide.”

As a fourth-generation Armenian, I found this film to be an excellent introduction to the Armenian culture and its people. It touches on all of the issues that are most important to the Armenian people including: the beginning of the country and people dating back to Mount Ararat and Noah’s Ark, the country’s most famous heroes, the Armenian Diaspora that began in the 11th century and continued through the 20th, the Christian religion and unique architecture of the church, as well as the Genocide and current situation of Armenia.

The documentary also included rarely seen photographs of the French rescue of the Armenian residents of Musa Dagh during the Genocide, as well as footage shot undercover in Eastern Turkey showing the devastated areas that were once historic Armenia.
Along with these images the film also displays video, film, and still photos that reveal the true beauty and soul that exists in the current independent Armenian Republic. I found that some of the most amazing footage within the film was that of Mount Ararat, Armenia’s symbol and the many other reminders of Armenia’s ancient heritage. The film displays many monasteries, churches, memorials, forests, lakes and mountains that form part of the elegant beauty of Armenia’s countryside.

Pride, anger, beauty, sadness and hope—this documentary encompassed it all. It tells the story of a country and people that never gave up hope, and overcame the impossible. I believe it is a must see for any Armenian or non-Armenian who is interested in learning about the story of a beautiful, eternal nation whose spirit is everlasting.

Images of the Armenian Spirit is the third PBS special on Armenia produced by Two Cats Productions, and as in The Armenian-Americans, and The Armenians: A Story of Survival, continues to celebrate the culture’s spirit and legacy. Two Cats is trying very hard to produce a film on the Armenian Genocide itself, but is having enormous trouble finding financial donors who will contribute to make it possible.

“We know that in the U.S., film, television and other media is the way to influence public opinion and awareness. Indeed Schindler’s List made the Holocaust a household name,” said Goldberg.

Two Cats is currently working on a major documentary titled, Proud to Serve, The Men and Women of the US Army. It will be hosted and narrated by Walter Cronkite, and feature interviews with Bob Dole, Shaquille O’Neal, and Jessica Lynch along with over twenty soldiers. It is scheduled to air on public television in March 2004.