In 1915, 1.5 million Armenians were killed in a genocide by the Ottoman Turks. One of the world’s ancient civilizations was nearly destroyed.
Today, many countries, including Turkey and the United States, do not recognize the Genocide because it is geopolitically inconvenient. Without recognition, the long shadow of genocide persists.
For Armenian Americans, the ‘long shadow’ of genocide is paralyzing. In an effort to preserve what was saved, successive generations hold-fast to a pre-genocide conception of culture, an idea frozen in time.
The innovation needed to create a flourishing future is stymied by culturally-imposed litmus tests. The future of Armenian-American culture is in danger.
"What Will Become Of Us?" moves past stayed notions of what it means to be a ‘good Armenian.’ In three dramatic acts, the characters in the film travel through the American landscape while grappling with their identities and the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.
Their interwoven stories build on one-another to create a cohesive narrative where the past and future are in constant tension. This is a story relatable to all immigrant communities who have faced past horrors.
How can a culture pay respect to its past without being limited by it? How can a culture give individuals the freedom to define their own identities and collectively forge a hopeful future?
This is not a film about genocide, but about how to thrive despite it.
The People:
- Jon Simonian, former investment banker: Jon emphatically states what he believes the problem is – and makes sure we all get it – there is a ‘dropout rate’ of Armenians leaving their culture behind that must be arrested.
- Sebu Simonian (unrelated to Jon), singer, songwriter, Capital Cities: A pop star discovers more about his past.
- Michael Aram Wolohojian, designer, artist: A famous housewares designer creates a public sculpture for the 100th anniversary of the Genocide.
- John and Annie Sweers, volunteers in Armenia: He is ¼ Armenian. Having lost his grandmother and only connection to his culture at age 7, he grew up with a nagging feeling that something was missing. He and his non-Armenian wife travel to Armenia.
- Aram Hamparian, executive director, Armenian National Committee of America: A political activist and lobbyist works tirelessly for the cause of Genocide recognition, only to face constant setbacks.
- Lory Tatoulian, comedian and social satirist: A former member of the famed comedy troupe The Groundlings, Lory writes and performs in her own comedy show – an irreverent look at Armenian-American culture – “The Big Bad Armo Show.”
- Karine Shamlian, granddaughter of living Genocide survivor, Asdghig Alemian: Karine’s life is shaped by the experiences of her 108-year-old grandmother – a living Genocide survivor.
- Richard Hagopian and Andrew Hagopian, Oud Master and his grandson: 81-year-old Richard, a world-famous oud player and NEA fellow, is one of the last greats. Andrew, his 15-year-old grandson, wants to take up his 'old' music.
Join The Conversation:
"What Will Become Of Us" is on Facebook.
Credits:
Producer: Stephanie Ayaniand / Storyshop Films. Presented by Detroit Public Television. Distributed by NETA.
