Armenian Haunting - Armenian Genocide themed film featuring LGBTQ character (interview with writer/director Art Arutyunyan)

Writer and director Art Arutyunyan, known to readers of this blog for his gay-themed animated film Adamantine, have written and directed a film that touches on the theme of the Armenian Genocide - 'Armenian Haunting', and it features an LGBTQ character. It is planned for release in March 2018.

“ On the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, a young Armenian-American journalist's relatives mysteriously die one by one. Faced with the resistance of her secretive family, she must uncover the truth, but has to rely on the supernatural." (from the official synopsis)

The film combines the historic elements surrounding the Armenian Genocide and the genre of horror and supernatural.

The cast includes actors Vaneh Assadourian, Jay Dersahagian, Aneela Qureshi, Kyle Patrick Darling and Tamara Grigorian.

LGBTQ character Garo, played by Kyle Patrick Darling, is the main character Maro's best friend. Garo is gender fluid and posseses clairvoyant powers which he hides from people around him. Here are images with Garo in the scene.

Art Arutyunyan: “We are not going anywhere, and we will become a stronger voice in Armenian culture” 

- interview with Unzipped: Gay Armenia -

- In your ‘mini-bio’ on IMDb, it was mentioned that you were born and raised in Uzbekistan, then moved to LA to pursue a career in fashion. Could you tell me a little bit more about yourself, your family, your Armenian roots? And your move from being a fashion designer to film director/writer.

Both my parents were born in Armenia and moved to Uzbekistan in 1960-s, where they met. I was born in a small town, which didn't even have a name, but just a number: "Number-6". When I was 5 we moved to the capital of Uzbekistan, Tashkent, then a very diverse city with large Armenian, Korean, Jewish and other Russian-speaking communities. So, I was surrounded by a multitude of cultures. All of my friends and I went to Russian-language schools and colleges. As a child, I traveled to Armenia every summer as both of my parents still had a lot of relatives back home.

I was in High school when USSR collapsed. I got my Bachelors degree in Economics at Tashkent State University, then moved to Los Angeles to study fashion and found a job in the garment industry fairly quickly. The rest of my family followed one by one. I designed clothing for Forever 21, Nordstrom, Target, Kohl's, Macy's, and that was my specialty: affordable fashion. However, there was a point where my love for film kept pulling me away.

While I was still designing, I wrote and produced my very first short film with my now business partner, Armand Petri. And so our partnership began, and now we have "Together Magic Film Group" that consists of 3 divisions: "Reel Nightmare" - horror, supernatural, paranormal; "Together Magic Films" - LGBTQ themed; "Winning Streak" - dramas, comedies and other general public genres.

- Your quote from the same ‘mini-bio’: "It is important for me to develop scripts and concepts that I respond to on an emotional level rather than intellectual”. The topic of the Armenian Genocide must have been quite an emotional for you too. Do you remember any personal stories that your parents or grandparents perhaps told you?

The theme of Armenian Genocide has always been a part of my conversations with my father, who's a very passionate Armenian, perhaps the most passionate. I must admit, I didn't feel connected to the subject up until maybe a couple of years ago, when I was looking for a theme to write about. I started talking to my father about it again, and the stories just poured out of him, and his passion has definitely inspired me. I recorded our conversations and started doing more research.

Even though this is a historic event, I wanted to write about it in more dramatic terms, where the Armenian Genocide is a backdrop to a character, where it puts him or her through the tragedies. So, as of now I have written 2 scripts on the subject: "Armenian Haunting", a paranormal mystery and "Anoush", a drama that follows a young Armenian girl Anoush as she fights for survival in the 1915 Turkey. "Armenian Haunting" is set to be released this year, while "Anoush" is in need of financing. Ideally, I would like to shoot "Anoush" in Armenia with local crew and cast, of course, in Armenian language.

- Any news item, article, let alone the film about the Armenian Genocide are being treated with sensitivity among Armenians both in Armenia and Diaspora. Are you afraid of the reaction you may receive?

"Armenian Haunting" is at its core a paranormal mystery film. On the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, young Armenian American, Maro, finds herself in the midst of a mysterious plague that kills her family one by one. I wanted to make an entertaining and educational film that, hopefully, keeps the audiences interested and at the same time teaches them about the Genocide. I treat the subject with respect, but I do realize that there is a risk of getting unwanted reaction. I am a firm believer that Armenians everywhere deserve to have this story told in as many ways a possible. Same as the theme of Holocaust. Armenian Genocide needs to be told in different ways: dramas, horror, documentaries, historical series on PBS, you name it. It needs to become a strong cultural theme and soon! 

- I always wanted to see a film that will depict a same-sex relationship, love set against the backdrop of the Armenian Genocide. I understand your film’s storyline is different but how important for you to have an LGBTQ character in such film?

In "Armenian Haunting", the LGBTQ character, Garo is important not only as he provides Maro with important information, but also as a voice of frustration of the Armenian LGBTQ community. We are frustrated because we are not accepted and understood by our own people. In the film, Garo points out that Maro's family suffers from "Armenicus Mysogynisticus". It is absolutely important for me to represent LGBTQ characters in all kinds of different ways, including Armenian LGBTQ persons. It holds a special place in my heart.

- Do you plan to showcase it in Armenia? As you may be aware, last year the Golden Apricot international film festival based in Yerevan censored 2 Armenian LGBT-themed films. But I believe we should keep challenging it. Do you plan to submit it there? Or any other international and Diaspora film festivals?

"Armenian Haunting" will have Armenian subtitles and I hope to reach Armenians all over the world. And I agree with you, we need to challenge Armenian culture's attitude toward LGBTQ community. We are not going anywhere, and we will become a stronger voice in Armenian culture.

I am not thinking about festivals yet, but it definitely will be on my radar with "Armenian Haunting".

- In an email exchange you were very fond of the actors in the film. How did you know or chose them? I would imagine an indie film like the Armenian Haunting would have a small budget.

"Armenian Haunting" has a minuscule budget, so I had to make sure my script was in good shape before I approached actors. My main goal was to cast as many Armenian actors as possible, due to the subject matter. The lead actress in the film is an absolute gem, Vaneh Assadourian. I felt so lucky to have her on the set every day of the shoot. Vaneh brought that special quality and Armenian flavor to the role of Maro. 

- What is next in your pipeline? Any Armenian LGBTQ-themed storyline?

We are releasing a drama set in Louisiana, "Are You From Dixie?" this year, as well. It was written by my business partner, Armand Petri and I had an honor of directing it. And I am looking for financing for "Anoush" that features an important gay character. 
***
Look forward to watching the film, and will definitely keep an eye on Anoush and more works by Art Arutyunyan.

Few more stills from the Armenian Haunting film.

Adamantine - gay-themed animated film set in Uzbekistan, directed by Art Arutyunyan

The animation itself is not outstanding, but it’s fun to watch. What caught my attention was the setting and background behind it:

Gay-themed fairytale animation… set in rural Uzbekistan… directed by Armenian-American filmmaker.

Quite a mixture, eh?! Btw, that guy who was turned into a rock in Adamantine looks very Armenian :)) See trailer below.


The official synopsis reads: “In this gay fairytale set in rural Uzbekistan, a young shepherd longs to find his true love; but an evil mountain witch might stand in the way of his happily-ever-after.”

No much information is available about Art Arutyunyan, other than he is a head of production and development at Together Magic Films.

LA-based Together Magic Films produced number of other LGBT-themed films, including trans-themed Funeral, HIV/AIDS-related Undetected and other films, directed and/or produced by Art Arutyunyan (here is a link to his IMDb page).

Says Art Arutyunyan: “We are proud to share LGBT stories that anyone can enjoy.”

His frequent collaborator is a filmmaker Armand Petri (very scarce information about him too, he is mentioned in one article as head of operations at Together Magic Films).

Here you can see few pics of Art Arutyunyan and Armand Petri working on their new film “Are You From Dixie?” (source of pictures)

 *Art Arutyunyan (right), Armand Petri (left)

From Together Magic Films FB page: “Film/TV Content Producer and Distributor. We create and release innovative stories with universal themes, and inclusive casts. Our catalog includes: the hit LGBT comedy series "How It All Began" (2017), the acclaimed HIV AIDS thriller "Undetectable" and the upcoming feature film "Are You From Dixie?," depicting Latino life in the modern-day South.”

Here is their VIMEO page.

If you have Amazon Prime in the UK and US, you can watch some of their films there too.

Censorship in Armenia: Golden Apricot International Film Festival in Yerevan marred by censorship of Armenian LGBT-themed films

This was going to be a very different, positive post, about screening of two Armenian LGBT-themed films at the Golden Apricot International Film Festival in Yerevan.

I was pleased to see as part of the Golden Apricot’s (albeit non-competition) programme “Armenians: Internal and External Views” the schedule of 13 July for a feature film Apricot Groves (dir. Pouria Heidary) and groundbreaking documentary film Listen To Me (produced by PINK Armenia).

Here is what I tweeted only a few days ago (4 July) :

Nice. #Armenia #LGBT related feature film Apricot Groves and @pinkarmenia documentary Listen To Me @GAIFFYerevan Int'l Film Fest #Yerevan

On paper there is no censorship in Armenia. In reality this is how it works.

There are so called ‘FB warriors’ or ‘concerned citizens’ and associated trolls on Armenian sector of FB who upon pushing the button by their rulers start an 'outcry' campaign against (frequently but not exclusively) LGBT related issues. You know, full with typical amorality, family/traditional values, ’gay propaganda’ and similar bullshit, with frequent calls to attack, burn, kill LGBT Armenians and human rights activists. This is subsequently presented as a ‘pressure by society’ and voila.

“We want to inform you that ARMENIANS: INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL VIEWS non-competition program is completely cancelled. We apologize for any inconveniences.” (Тhis is what Golden Apricot sent to the filmmakers, whose films were included in the program)

Here is what happened. The Union of Cinematographers in Armenia that was to provide a space for the screening of the films, demanded to remove two Armenian LGBT-themed films from the programme due to an ‘outcry in society’ (= some FB users). According to the director of Golden Apricot Harutyun Khachatryan, they also mentioned… they are in mourning (Rouben Gevorgyants, the ex-director of the Union, passed away on 23 June), and they are not going to screen any movie.

Կինոմիության նոր ղեկավարները՝ նայելով «Ոսկե Ծիրան» կինոփառատոնի ինֆորմացիոն ծրագիրը, որում ԼԳԲՏ համայնքի մասին պատմող երկու ֆիլմ կար, և տեսնելով հասարակական աղմուկը, նշեցին, որ իրենք չեն կարող այն ցուցադրել: Այս մասին այսօր կայացած մամուլի ասուլիսին ժամանակ ասաց «Ոսկե Ծիրան» միջազգային կինոփառատոնի հիմնադիր և գլխավոր տնօրեն Հարություն Խաչատրյանը:
«Մեր գործընկերներից մեկը Կինոմիությունն է, որոնցից մենք դահլիճ չենք վարձում, այլ իրենք այդ ինֆորմացիոն ծրագիրը ցուցադրում են Կինոյի տանը: Մենք պայմանավորվել էինք Ռուբեն Գևորգյանցի հետ, ով վերջերս մահացավ: Ծրագիրը պետք է ցուցադրվեր և հանկարծ պարզվեց, որ բավականին մեծ աղմուկ կա ծրագրի շուրջ հասարակության կողմից: Նոր ղեկավարներն էլ հայտնեցին, որ իրենք այսպիսի սգի չեն կարող նման ծրագիր ցուցադրել»,- ասաց Խաչատրյանը՝ հավելելով, որ իրենք չէին կարող Կինոմիությանը ստիպել, քանի որ դահլիճը չէին վարձում:

As Arsinee Khandjian and Atom Egoyan indicated in their statement, “We have never heard of a program of new films being cancelled to commemorate a cineaste's death as a sign of mourning and respect! This claim seems, therefore, quite preposterous!”

Instead of fighting this decision and finding an alternative venue, “Golden Apricot” has decided to withdraw the whole programme, which included around 40 films covering not only LGBT issues, but also different social issues, the Armenian Genocide, Nagorno Karabakh conflict etc. 

I was told from reliable sources that a well respected venue in downtown Yerevan offered to host the programme but Harutyun Khachatryan declined saying the decision was already made, too late to make changes, blah blah. Excuses.

Pressures to censor works of art, films, freedom of expression can come from different places, be that Soviet style union of cinematographers, president office, Facebook users and so on, but for a festival of Golden Apricot calibre to effectively succumb to that censorship and endorse it, is shameful and scandalous.

Festival that censors films doesn't deserve respect. It deserves boycott.

I hope participants, guests, partners and sponsors of the festival will protest. There can be absolutely no excuses and no justification for censorship whatsoever. No ‘apology’ can be accepted too, only the full restoration of the censored programme.

There is petition in this regard “Stop censorship in Armenia” that you can sign following this link.

The “Golden Apricot” should immediately restore the screening of all films regardless of the format. Otherwise the “Golden Apricot” International Festival should accept that they are the ones who are legitimizing the censorship and changes in the Festival. […]
We are not accepting the apology of the “Golden Apricot” against the censorship: if we do so, that would mean that we are endorsing this and future censorships. We are calling upon the organizers of the “Golden Apricot” to protect the films selected by them, instead of an apology, as well as to restore the whole program and screen all films in another place and to publicly condemn the actions of the Union of Cinematography of Armenia. Only by restoring the program the festival can keep and protect its’ former reputation. 

Says Pouria Heidary, director of Apricot Groves, one of two censored Armenian LGBT themed films:

"We made this film under the supervision of NATIONAL CINEMA CENTER OF ARMENIA a governmental institute that was responsible for cinema co-production with all the foreign countries that want to make a film in Armenia. they took our money and promised to support us. now nobody from that organization answers us, none of your cinemas screen our film and Golden Apricot film festival which is the biggest cinema and cultural event of Armenia does not screen our film which we put our love, our time and our art on it with the massage of love,friendship ,care and love of two neighbor countries. We wonder why these are happening???!!!!! 

My film has been screened in more than 43 festivals 3 of them were A grade film festivals 4 of them were Oscar qualify Film Festival 1 of them were BAFTA qualify film festival, we screened in biggest LGBT film festival in the world we have been the first Armenian film that ever screened in 2 countries in Africa, we won 5 awards under name of Armenia, we showed beautiful Armenia to world and made them hear your language more any other film in the past 15 years and in return all we get is hate.!!!" 

In their statement, Arsinee Khandjian and Atom Egoyan stressed that they are “very concerned about the censorship”:

"Atom Egoyan was President of the Festival for almost ten years and it’s dismaying to see a festival that we both proudly advocated for within the international film community in the name of films and filmmakers that spoke of such urgent human rights issues can be suppressed, especially when these ideas need to be discussed and brought to light."

Apricot Groves film: Iranian Armenian trans man returns to Armenia...

I want to see this film. At least based on trailer and reading about the film here and there, seems worth watching. And it's being showcased in a number of film festivals, including LGBT film festivals.

Hope it will be released soon in London or on VOD platform. And importantly in Armenia too.
***
Aram, an Iranian-Armenian trans man living in the U.S. since childhood, returns to Armenia to meet his girlfriend's conservative family. Over the course of the day-long journey, Aram's brother helps him prepare for the meeting, while also coming to terms with Aram's transition. Written and directed by Pouria Heidary Oureh, this quiet and introspective film beautifully illustrates the bittersweetness of reconnecting with a culture that may not be accepting of who you have become.



*Via Outfest (also here)

**Pictures via film's FB page

Tangerine: transgender revenge story, intertwined with Armenian storyline

Tangerine was premiered this week in London as part of the London Film Festival.

Transgender revenge story, raw, realistic, filled with elements of comedy and drama, with Almodovar-like touch, and played by transgender people.

Intertwined with that was a story of a typical Armenian family in LA who moved there from Armenia capital Yerevan. Any Armenian will be able to identify at least partly with that family, whether in reference to their own family, relatives or friends.

Highly recommended. And very relevant to the National Coming Out Day.

And to note that this film was shot using an iPhone !! You would never realise that unless you read about it. Great achievement by director and the whole cast and crew.

Following Q&A, I received a poster of the film and asked director Sean Baker and one of the lead actresses Mya Taylor to sign it for me.

Educational short film on need for comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation in Armenia

This great educational short film (in Armenian), with the use of nice graphics and pics,  illustrates various types of discrimination, so widespread in Armenia, and why it is essential to have a comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation, including discrimination based on sexual orientation.


Մեկ հասարակություն ՝ մեկ իրավունք from EPF Armenia on Vimeo.

House of Cards, season 3 explosive storyline against Russia’s anti-gay law

As a a big fan of Netflix’s House of Cards, I could not wait till season 3 is finally on. And when it was finally on, I was so excited, it took me a while till I was able to calm down and actually start watching. And then… I could not stop watching till the very last episode is over. [and yes, now I am in a state of withdrawal, and there is a long wait ahead till season 4]

I am not going to give away any plot details or review the season, you can watch it at your own pace and make up your mind. For the purposes of this brief blog post, I only want to mention that starring in the season 3 is Putin himself, well, his prototype named ‘Petrov’.

Episode 3 is quite something when you see Putin/Petrov’s first appearance, with some other prominent guest stars. It was an entertaining episode, but not powerful.

It’s not until the episode 6 when the storyline became pretty explosive with a powerful statement against Russia’s anti-gay law and against hypocrisy in politics, in general.

Big respects to Netflix and the whole team behind the House of Cards for speaking up.

A must watch.

"Red Dress" LGBT-themed Georgian short film

This film is produced by Identoba - Georgian LGBT rights group, based in Tbilisi. Via personal story it reflects events last year when homophobic mob, led by Georgian orthodox church priests, attacked LGBT rights activists in Georgian capital Tbilisi, marking IDAHO (International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia).

*thanks to @Tabagari for the link

The Legend of Armen Ra and the Theremin: “I do feel I carry the cross of all gay Armenians on my back”

I posted about Armen Ra, US-based Iranian Armenian Theremin virtuoso, drag artist and performer, famous for uniquely brilliant interpretation of the music by prominent Armenian composer Komitas.

Great to know that a feature documentary about his life - When My Sorrow Died: The Legend of Armen Ra and the Theremin won Director’s Choice Award of the Illuminate Film Festival 2014 and it will be screened at 13th Annual San Francisco Documentary Festival in June.

*Armen Ra with producer Matt Huffman, director Robert Nazar Arjoyan, and mother Ruzanna Makarian-Hovanesian, Illuminate Film Festival 2014 (picture via festival's FB page)

*via The Bay Area Reporter 

When My Sorrow Died: The Legend of Armen Ra and the Theremin This hidden gem spotlights the savage wit and rags-to-rags story of the fabulously talented and uncomfortably honest Iranian-born performance artist/former drag diva and now stellar artist/composer Armen Ra. Looking a bit like champion skater Johnny Weir's twin separated at birth, the articulate girly-boy grew up in a prosperous Tehran family of Armenian Christian descent. A well-behaved little boy whom adults grew used to taking to adult functions, the seven-year-old shocked his grownup chaperones one night at the opera when he demanded to be allowed to sit in the royal box.

The 1979 revolution destroyed the boy's cloistered life of high culture and forced his mom to resettle in a shabby Boston apartment. Queer-baited and bullied at school, Ra finally beat up one of his tormentors, getting him kicked out of school and ultimately promoted to the 80s Lower Manhattan club-kids scene. There followed a furious stab at drag-diva stardom, interrupted by bouts of depression and binge-drinking on the verge of suicide.

A miracle at a New York rock club led him to discover the joys of the Theremin. While instant riches did not follow, Ra did get himself a spotlight on a CNN feature in which he was quoted as calling the Theremin his "Maria Callas machine." Eventually he recorded his first album, consisting mostly of music from his Armenian culture, whereupon he made a rude discovery. "And it was received well all over the world with the exception of Armenia. To think I brought the music of the patron saint of Armenia to millions of persons who never have heard it, and to get hate mail and death threats from my own people is disgusting. It makes me ashamed. I'm ashamed for them. Look, I didn't choose to be gay, I didn't choose to be Armenian, it is the way it is. If I could choose, it would be from Spain or Norway. Everyone's happy there! I do feel I carry the cross of all gay Armenians on my back, and that cross is getting heavy. So let's get out of the closet, kids, be visible, fight, that's how you stop prejudice."

He's pretty, witty, sassy, and in-your-face, and if your taste runs to girly-boy provocateurs, then this doc is your cup of tea. (Northern California premiere, Roxie, 6/14, 18)
***

And a treat from Armen Ra’s Twitter page:

*Armenian divas - Armen Ra with Cher

British Council Armenia continues shameful collaboration with homophobic media

This seems like a deja vu.

"British Film Festival 12th Edition is organised by the British Council with the support of the British Embassy Yerevan, UNICEF and ArmenTel (brand name Beeline). In addition to showcasing the best of the British film industry of the recent years, training and competitions will be organised. […]
The information partners of the 12th British Film Festival are H2 TV station, Dar21 TV station, Laym TV station, Yerkir Media TV station, Shoghakat TV station, Civilnet, Public Radio, Radio Van, Radio Hay, Armradio FM 107 and Bravo.am, imyerevan.com, emporium.am."

The history of pretty close relationship between British Council in Armenia (more of their local staff) with the homophobic radio Van station was exposed by this blog back in 2010 [‘Champion of equality’ British Council Armenia sponsors homophobic radio station in Yerevan]. It took efforts for the former British ambassador in Armenia to make essential steps at damage control. And here we are again.

Only last week it was revealed that head of the radio Van station Shushanik is a member (“friends”) of “Griboedov” club in Yerevan, established by notorious “burn gay hearts” Putin propagandist Dmitry Kiselev. Indeed, Shushanik's utterly homophobic views earned Radio Van their place in Armenia: Homophobia Hall of Shame.

Not to mention some other questionable, to say the least, choices by the British Council Armenia, such as Yerkir Media TV, nationalist ARF Dashnaktsutyun outlet that was instrumental in instigating hatred towards gay friendly DIY bar firebombed in Armenia capital in 2012.

Ironically, festival’s web page mentions that “12th Edition dedicated to Inclusion and Communication”.

Double pleasure: James Franco exhibit and 'Psycho' film intro in London

Most of my friends and blog readers know that I have *feelings* towards James Franco, so to say.

This is what I call a good weekend, indeed. Not only I went to his newly opened multi-media exhibit at PACE gallery in London on Saturday, but also saw him the following day introducing Hitchcock's film Psycho at BFI. In fact, his exhibit was inspired by and a subjective retelling of Psycho.

Not that I had any doubts, but listening to and seeing James Franco proved that he is as intelligent and sexy live as he is on screen. After the intro of Psycho, he joined the audience to watch the film... seating right in front of me ;) Below is a photo story from the PACE exhibit and BFI screening.

*At "Psycho Nacirema" exhibit, PACE gallery, London

*At BFI Southbank, London - special screening of Psycho with James Franco.

Below is a better quality picture from the BFI twitter account.

And this is a creative leaflet to the exhibit distributed at BFI.

Amnesty International names and shames Armenia's ԷՇ + more

Amnesty International released its annual 2013 country specific reports. Although the reports are brief and not comprehensive, they do point out to some important developments and human rights problems.

In Armenia, the Amnesty reflected on parliamentary election, freedom of expression, including nationalist hysteria and attacks towards Azeri film festival, poor conditions and ill-treatment in Armenian prisons, alternative (to army) service due to conscientious objectors.

Civil society activists attempting to hold a festival of Azerbaijani films in Armenia were subjected to violent attacks and forced to cancel the event on two occasions. On 12 April, dozens of protesters blocked the venue of the film festival, scheduled in Armenia’s second city, Gumri. They physically assaulted Giorgi Vanyan, the organizer and chairman of the local Caucasus Centre for Peace-Making Initiatives, and forced him to publicly announce that the festival was cancelled. Festival organizers reported that the local authorities had harassed and used psychological pressure to dissuade them from holding the event. 

On 16 April, another attempt to hold the film festival in the city of Vanadzor at the Helsinki Citizens Assembly (HCA) office also prompted public protests and violence. Approximately 200 people – including students, political party members and veterans from the Nagorno-Karabakh war – gathered in front of the HCA office. They forced their way into the premises, vandalizing office equipment, throwing eggs and rocks and injuring one member of staff. Police officers present throughout failed to intervene to ensure the safety of the staff members or to stop the violence. Despite the HCA’s requests, additional police did not arrive until after the incident. After an investigation, one woman was fined for throwing a stone at the building, but no thorough or impartial investigation took place. The authorities failed to condemn the violence.

The Amnesty specifically mentioned the attacks on gay friendly DIY bar and endorsement of such attacks by ARF Dashnaktsutyun MPs and ԷՇ [ESh - Eduard Sharmazanov], spokesperson of ruling Republican party and deputy speaker of the Armenia parliament. If the trend continues, soon ԷՇ related label will rival other top labels on this blog.

On 8 May, a gay-friendly bar in the capital, Yerevan, was attacked. Two people were caught on a security camera throwing Molotov cocktails through the windows. However, police reportedly only arrived at the scene 12 hours later to investigate the attack. Two young men were arrested as part of the investigation, but were bailed shortly afterwards by two MPs for the nationalist Armenian Revolutionary Federation –Dashnaktsutyun party (ARF). They condoned the attack, saying it was in line with “the context of societal and national ideology”. Eduard Sharmazanov, spokesperson for the ruling Republican Party and Parliamentary Deputy Speaker was quoted justifying the violent attack in local newspapers.

Analysis: Nationalism and Sexuality in Modern Armenian Discourse

Good analysis by Marine Margaryan of PINK Armenia and Tamar Shirinian, PhD candidate in cultural anthropology. Few quotes below. For article in full: read Hetq Online (Armenian, English)

[re: DIY firebombing and attack on Diversity march] “If we comprehensively analyze this situation and the details of the events of the past year and the concrete incidents that took place, it becomes clear that the root of the problem is not nationalist organizations or their work in opposition toward LGBT people. Rather, we can consider these organizations as tools - mechanisms of a larger chain which are directed towards the public to strengthen the discourse of the authorities. Furthermore, LGBT issues have never been in this kind of agenda within our public before, and this is the result of the problem’s artificial escalation. The manipulation of LGBT issues through nationalist forces acts as one of a few mechanisms, through which authorities mobilize public, which is then naturally used to establish and secure power.”

“When public attention is focused on LGBT issues, authorities can guarantee that it will be able to distract away from dangerous topics and take social discourse toward their desired directions. It must be noted that this technique used by the state is not a new one. The target group being used can change.”

“Here we can cite Kagarlitsky (2006) who argues that fascism as an ideology comes about at a time when it is possible to create an illusion for the masses that they can solve poor social conditions by subjecting themselves to nationalist prejudice.”

[re: cancelling Parada film screening] “The discussion around LGBT issues in this manner creates a problem not only for human rights defenders, activists and anybody who advocates for LGBT peoples’ rights but also for international organizations who cannot even find a space to show a film. This should indicate to all of the various institutions that provide support to Armenia, financial and otherwise, for promoting democracy and human rights reforms to properly monitor the state’s actions, otherwise the work done by international organizations can be considered inconsistent and ineffective.”

"F*ck gender", "Down with the Patriarch": activist video from Georgia

Absolutely loved this. Great example of multimedia activism tackling issues of gender identity, homophobia, religion, freedom...

We need more of this in the South Caucasus and beyond.

A must see.

"Painting activism", Tbilisi, Georgia
Film by Lasha Kavtaradze and George Gogua, 2012

Srđan Dragojević, director of Parada: "I didn't know Armenia was so homophobic"

"I can't remember the last time I laughed AND cried so hard in one film." On her blog post Watching Parada and Not in Armenia, Adrineh shares personal impressions of the Serbian film Parada after watching it in one of the European capitals as part of the film festival. Towards the end of the screening, she also managed to exchange few words with the director of Parada.

[...] The other thing that broke my heart was a sentence uttered by the director, Srđan Dragojević, who I was lucky enough to exchange a few words with after the screening. When I asked him whether he knew that attempts to screen in the film in Armenia were unsuccessful as a result of pressure and protests, he said he knew, but "I didn't know Armenia was so homophobic". He then seemed to liken Armenia to Russia by adding the film will "probably be banned in Russia". Not. good. news. at. all. I tried to explain that things in Armenia had ballooned only in recent years, but I only had two minutes of his time as he was rushing off somewhere else, and I wasn't able to get into any more details. He did mention, however, that German embassies in countries where human rights is an issue were given directives to screen the film. Yes, you read that right: "where human rights is an issue"... [...]
***
For background to the story, read:

Yerevan Press Club, NGOs: Parada film cancellation 'blatant rights violation' and indicator for EU re Armenia commitments

EU head says LGBT people in Armenia are “the most vulnerable” while hatemongers celebrate “victory”... over cancellation of gay rights film screening

Puppets attack Germany embassy and the EU office in Armenia

EU head says LGBT people in Armenia are “the most vulnerable” while hatemongers celebrate “victory”... over cancellation of gay rights film screening

For background: Puppets attack Germany embassy and the EU office in Armenia
***
Unfortunately, both venues - The Club and Yerevan Puppet Theatre, despite the initial resistance and “voice of reason” by the head of latter - eventually gave in to homophobic blackmail by hatemongers.

This was yet another reflection of steady regress in Armenia in relation to rights, tolerance and diversity, despite reported “progress” towards European integration.

The head of EU delegation in Armenia Traian Hristea said that the reaction towards gay rights -themed film screening indicates that LGBT people in Armenia are “the most vulnerable”. And this is despite Armenia formally joining European anti-homophobia agreements.

Both Germany ambassador and the EU head in Armenia reiterated their determination to hold public screenings of the film.

In the meantime, activists launched petition in support of the initiative by the Germany embassy and the EU office in Armenia. You may read and sign the petiition here (bilingual -Armenian and English):

http://www.change.org/en-GB/petitions/գերմանիայի-դեսպանատուն-ցուցադրել-parada-ֆիլմը

Homophobic hate groups and individuals in Armenia were congratulating each other today with the... “victory”, without even realising how total losers they are if they celebrate a “victory” over... film cancellation.

Չեմ սիրում “պարտված” կամ “հաղթանակած” տերմիններ օգտագործել, բայց ստեղ անհրաժեշտա: Իրանք չեն հասկանում, որ պարտված են, հենց մենակ նրա համար, որ “հաղթանակ” են համարում ֆիլմի ցուցադրման տապալումը: [my summary of the day in AM]

Puppets attack Germany embassy and the EU office in Armenia

Ladies and Gents, prepare your popcorn. Tragicomedy continues. [Warning: poor quality, one star max]

Here we are at it again. Season No... Another bout of hysteria from the same groups and individuals who attacked Diversity march (such as Hayazn union), who justified DIY bombing and so on and so on... Real life puppets ruled from certain known circles.

“Gay” is a new drug for them. They get high whenever they see or hear or read “gay”. Or shall I say try “gay”?! How X-rated :)

Now they got new ‘lifeline’ in the form of screening of gay rights -themed film based on Serbia events - The Parade (“Parada”). The screening is sponsored and organised by the Germany embassy and the EU office in Yerevan to facilitate awareness of human rights.

Կցուցադրվի միասեռականների իրավունքների մասին պատմող հայտնի «Parada» ֆիլմը 

PanARMENIAN.Net - Հայաստանում մարդու իրավունքների կարևորության գիտակցության ամրապնդման նպատակով Երևանում Գերմանիայի դեսպանությունը և ԵՄ պատվիրակությունը կազմակերպում են հանդուրժողականության և խտրականության բացառման թեմայով միջազգային ճանաչում գտած «Parada» ֆիլմի ցուցադրությունների շարք: Այն սերբական դրամա է, որն արծարծում է Սերբիայում միասեռականների իրավունքների նուրբ խնդիրը: Ֆիլմի առանցքային թեման Բելգրադում միասեռականների հպարտության շքերթ կազմակերպելու երկրորդ փորձն է այն բանից հետո, երբ առաջինը 2001թ. ավարտվել էր բռնությամբ: Ֆիլմը կցուցադրվի՝ հոկտեմբերի 8-ին և 10-ին` ժամը 20.00-ին, «Ակումբում», Թումանյան 40, 0010 Երևան, հոկտեմբերի 15-ին և 16-ին` ժամը 20.00-ին, Երևանի Հ. Թումանյանի անվան պետական տիկնիկային թատրոնում, Սայաթ-Նովա 4, 0001 Երևան: 

They plan a protest action (or plural) in front of the Germany embassy, will try to disrupt the screening of the film in the Club and at the Yerevan Puppet Theatre.

Funnily enough, quite a few of those joining the protest started inadvertently publicising the film and... actually watched (!) it. Even if they won’t accept it, watching such film alone will have an educational impact on them. Even if on a very-very deep subconscious level.

I should congratulate the embassy of Germany in Armenia and the EU office for success of the event that has not even started yet. Never before there was such an awareness of gay rights -themed film in Armenia.

And finally, a voice of reason from the director of Yerevan Puppet theatre Ruben Babayan. He doesn’t quite understand the fuss over the scheduled screening. He said that the Puppet theatre is not just for children (responding to laughable accusations that ‘gay propaganda’ film is being screened at ‘children theatre’), reminding that the Golden Apricot film festival and other screenings are being held there. I’d add some pretty hardcore metal music fest too. He then suggested that following the logic of protesters we should cancel films by Parajanov and Visconti or books by Nabokov too: “Do we want to turn this country into Iran or simply realise that it’s a matter of tolerance, feature film and art?” Voice of reason, indeed.

Հովհաննես Թումանյանի անվան տիկնիկային թատրոնի գեղարվեստական ղեկավար Ռուբեն Բաբայանի համար անհասկանալի է այն աղմուկը, որը բարձրացել է միասեռականների իրավունքներին նվիրված Parada ֆիլմի ցուցադրության կապակցությամբ: «Դա գեղարվեստական ֆիլմ է, որը մասնակցել է տարբեր փառատոնների: Նույն ձևով կարծում եմ՝ կարելի է չեղյալ հայտարարել Սերգեյ Փարաջանովի, Լուկինո Վիսկոնտիի ֆիլմերի ցուցադրությունը կամ՝ Նաբոկովի գրքերը: Դե, պետք է որոշակի սկզբունք ընդունել և որոշել՝ կամ մենք այս երկիրը դարձնում ենք Պարսկաստան և հրճվում ենք դրանով, կամ մենք պարզապես հասկանում ենք, որ կա՝ հանդուրժողականություն, գեղարվեստական ֆիլմ ու արվեստ» - Tert.am –ին ասաց Ռուբեն Բաբայանը՝ ի պատասխան հարցի, թե հնարավո՞ր է, որ թատրոնի ղեկավարությունը չեղյալ համարի վարձակալության պայմանագիրը: [...]

*pictures - via The Parade website 

“Brotherhood” - “Ախպերություն”

I was watching “Brotherhood” film (2009, dir. Nicolo Donato) the other day.

The storyline immediately resonated for me with the recent events in Yerevan surrounding firebombing of gay friendly DIY bar. “Brotherhood” is “Ախպերություն” in Armenian. Here is what this film is about:

Brotherhood explores what happens when you add same-sex attraction to the already volatile world of neo-Nazis. Dismissed from the army after allegedly making a pass at a fellow soldier, young Lars soon falls in with a gang of gay-bashing neo-Nazis. Although the group is initially wary of this new figure, Lars proves that he is a fast learner and rises quickly through the ranks while simultaneously developing closer bonds with the other members, especially the sexy Jimmy. It is soon apparent that the two are far more than 'blood brothers' and confronting these sexual longings threatens to jeopardise their very lives.  

They will resort to hate and violence to suppress their inner fears and desires. They will indulge in neo-Nazi crap so that to have at least some kind of 'aim' and 'meaning' in this life, to make themselves 'important'. Because of their own vulnerability, they will easily be manipulated by others. But the only outcome this inevitably leads to is self-destruction. It’s pretty tragic, in fact. For all the sides involved. And the society, as a whole. Sounds familiar?..

Read also:

Underage "fascists" employed for psychological terror towards DIY bar in Yerevan

Neo-nazi attack Diversity march in Armenia capital Yerevan calling it "gay pride"

Neo-nazi thugs indulge in same-sex 'action' as they attack Diversity march in Armenia capital

This piece by Sona Abgaryan “STANDART” (AM) posted on Գրողուցավ provides almost anatomical dissection of similar types in Armenia:

Quote (1): "Հետևող լռության մեջ հիշում եմ կոնսերվատիվ, բթամիտ ազգայնականին, որի համար կենդանի լինելը մեծ պատիվ կլիներ: Նա հրճվում է մարդկային ողբերգություններից և սնվում է արտաթորանքով: Նա խոսում է անցյալից, որովհետև դա նրա ներկան է: Նա թաքցնում է իրական պատճառները հայրենասիրական տեքստերի մեջ:"  

Quote (2): “Փողոցում հանդիպում են նաև երջանիկ մարդիկ, որոնք «Թոփ 10»-ի համար հաղորդագրություններ են ուղարկում և քվեարկում են լավագույն հայ երգչի օգտին: Նրանք չարացած ռոմանտիկներ են: Նրանք ասում են մի բան, մտածում են այլ բան, ուզում են մեկ այլ բան և անում են լրիվ ուրիշ մի բան: Անխիղճ լիբիդոն բռնել է նրանց կոկորդից և խեղդում է, սպառնում է ոչնչացնել ավանդույթները: Այդ պացիենտները ամենատարածվածն են մեր օրերում: Նրանք շատ են սիրում խոսել հայրենիքից, պատերազմից, շրթներկից, շորերի գներից, բոմժերից, գոմիկներից, ամուսնության գաղտնիքներից, խոհարարական հմտություններից, անբարոյականներից, սրբություններից, աղջիկների կուսաթաղանթից, ծովից-ծով Հայաստանից… Նրանց դիագնոզը դեռ պարզ չի, պայմանական նրանց ասում են երջանիկներ: Դա միակ հիվանդությունն է, որ պաշտոնապես համարվում է ընդունելի:”