Richard Hovannisian about events commemorating the centenary of the Genocide and his grandson’s movie “1915”
American-resident Armenian historian and academician Richard Hovannisian is currently in Armenia. On April 25, he was also present in the screening of his grandson Garin Hovannisian’s co-authored scenario and producing movie “1915”. In the conversation with “Aravot”, the renowned scientist noted, “It has been a few years since it is announced in America and many countries that a great movie is to be shot, Kerkorian should give millions, however, nowhere we saw such a film, but these two young guys (referring to Garin Hovannisian and Alex Muhibyanin – G.H.) with their own means and limited resources and without the millions shot this movie. For some people, this film would be a little difficult to understand, or would make them think, go home and ask themselves, what we saw there, because the movie “1915” has strong psychological aspects. I am proud, Karin being a young man did such a work, he is a writer and a film director. Moscow, Berlin, Los Angeles, New York, and here also is the premiere in Yerevan. I am happy to be here, this should be the Armenian variant – converting the movie from English into Armenian, I often see Brazilian films that are converted into Armenian language, which is alien to me. I hope that people will eventually appreciate these young people, even if they do not like the movie for 100 percent.”
We inquired to know from the historian about his impression of the events commemorating the centenary of the Armenian Genocide in Armenia and throughout the world. Richard Hovannisian is pleased, he regrets that limited number of presidents had arrived. “What is important that Hollande and Putin were present, the two key leaders, especially the presidents of two friendly states: Serbia and Cyprus were present, representatives of 60 countries attended who laid their wreath at the Memorial. The response was more of what I expected, this year, the centennial was marked well not only in Yerevan, but also abroad, I am watching the American and British TV channels, which will broadcast the Armenian genocide not just half a second or a second like in the past, but half an hour and more. This means that there is some progress. Simply, the problem is as follows: this pace must be maintained and continued so that we do not go back and be pleased with what we have. This moment is given to us, and we must continue this moment,” noted our interlocutor.
We asked to estimate French President Francois Hollande’s and Russian President Vladimir Putin’s speeches. “Francois Hollande’s speech was very good, a very strong one, as for Putin’s speech, it contained a political emphasis,” said Richard Hovannisian.
Gohar HAKOBYAN
