US Premiere of Documentary Film “RED” Hosted in Pasadena
PASADENA — On April 18, Massis Publishing hosted the US premiere of the documentary film “RED” at the AGBU Vatche & Tamar Manoukian Performing Arts Center in Pasadena.
“RED” is based on the book “Armenian Revolutionary Paramaz – Armenian Socialists and Genocide from Abdulhamid to Ittihat Terakki,” authored by Kadir Akın. The film delves into themes of justice and loyalty, exploring the intricate history and struggles of Armenian revolutionaries amidst the backdrop of the Armenian Genocide.
Prior to the premiere, Krikor Moloyan welcomed the audience on behalf of Massis Publishing. He presented the premiere of a song about Malatia Armenians Nazaret and Khatoun Der-Tavitian, composed and sung by their grandson, Harut Der-Tavitian.
Following the musical tribute, the documentary examined Paramaz’s statements, ideology, and activism, along with the Armenian Question in the Ottoman Empire and the subsequent Armenian Genocide.
The screening was followed by remarks from the director, Akın, who expressed gratitude for being invited to the premiere. He highlighted the lack of awareness among Turkish intellectuals and the Armenian community in Turkey about this history as the primary motivation for writing “Armenian Revolutionary Paramaz” and directing the documentary RED.
Akın was particularly moved by Paramaz’s internationalist political stance during his defense at the Van Court in 1897. Paramaz emphasized the goal of living on equal terms with various ethnic groups and rejecting nationalism in favor of friendship with all peoples. He advocated for self-determination for all inhabitants of Armenia, emphasizing the importance of their own will and vote.
Akın acknowledged the challenges of prevailing prejudices in Turkey and aimed to broaden acceptance of Armenian history, including the genocide. He credited figures like Taner Akçam for their efforts in this regard.
Additionally, Akın recognized Garo Paylan’s advocacy for minority rights in Turkey and announced plans for a new documentary comparing historical Armenian deputies such as Hampartsoum Boyadjian with Paylan’s contemporary efforts.
Former Turkish Parliamentarian, Garo Paylan, a founding member of the People’s Democratic Party (HDP) and a leading democracy activist in Turkey, emphasized the documentary’s importance in breaking down stereotypes entrenched in the Turkish public.
Q&A with Garo Paylan, Kadir Akın facilitated by Ararat Torosyan.
