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FILMMAKER DISCUSSES ARTSAKH FOLLOWING DOCUMENTARY SCREENING
asbarez
Wednesday, April 11th, 2012
Filmmaker Roger Kupelian discusses his film during the Hollywood
screening
LITTLE ARMENIA-Students, youth and community members gathered at
the Hollywood Armenian Center on April 5 for an exclusive screening
of Roger Kupelian's award-winning documentary, Dark Forest in the
Mountains.
The event was organized by the AYF as part of the With Our Soldiers
campaign, a year-long initiative aimed at raising awareness and
support for the freedom fighters of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh).
"There is perhaps no better film to acquaint people of all backgrounds
with the liberation of Artsakh than Dark Forest," said AYF Executive
Director Serouj Aprahamian. "If we care to take steps to build a
brighter future for the people there, we must first learn about its
history and the moving stories of those involved. I think watching
the film instilled in all of us a renewed passion to get active."
Originally filmed in 1994, the documentary succinctly chronicles
the history of the region and the lead up to the Artsakh liberation
struggle using a mix of digital animation, expert interviews,
and on-the-ground footage. The film was shot and edited by Roger
Kupelian, an accomplished Hollywood visual effects professional with
such credits as Lord of the Rings, Alice in Wonderland, Men in Black
3 and his most recent project, East of Byzantium.
"If there ever was a place that spoke of the ancient fighting spirit,
it is this," said Kupelian about Artsakh. "We can all find our own
journey there and I certainly can say, for one, that stepping foot
on that land affected me for the rest of my life."
Kupelian spent time on the frontlines, capturing scenes from the war
as well as gripping exposes into the lives of commanders, volunteers,
medics, and children affected by the conflict. He attended Thursday's
screening and engaged with the audience in a lively discussion
following the film.
"Artsakh is still crucial today in terms of what our up-and-coming
generations can do in order to affect the outcome of where Armenian
lands will end up in the future," remarked Kupelian about the
importance of focusing on the issue. "A major loss now would be a
catastrophe for the Armenian spirit. Additionally, a peace-certainly
on fair terms for native Karabakhtsis-would invite back those who
would once again work the land and bring back vital energy."
Attendees were visibly inspired by both the film and the first-hand
accounts shared by Kupelian during the discussion. Many stuck around
after the filming to purchase copies of the film and to learn more
about the AYF's campaign.
Copies of the special-edition DVD, which includes a sequel featurette
with rare interviews with participants in the war a decade after the
cease-fire, can be purchased online at www.WithOurSoldiers.com.
Portions of all proceeds will go toward the medical treatment of
disabled veterans of the Artsakh war in need.
asbarez
Wednesday, April 11th, 2012
Filmmaker Roger Kupelian discusses his film during the Hollywood
screening
LITTLE ARMENIA-Students, youth and community members gathered at
the Hollywood Armenian Center on April 5 for an exclusive screening
of Roger Kupelian's award-winning documentary, Dark Forest in the
Mountains.
The event was organized by the AYF as part of the With Our Soldiers
campaign, a year-long initiative aimed at raising awareness and
support for the freedom fighters of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh).
"There is perhaps no better film to acquaint people of all backgrounds
with the liberation of Artsakh than Dark Forest," said AYF Executive
Director Serouj Aprahamian. "If we care to take steps to build a
brighter future for the people there, we must first learn about its
history and the moving stories of those involved. I think watching
the film instilled in all of us a renewed passion to get active."
Originally filmed in 1994, the documentary succinctly chronicles
the history of the region and the lead up to the Artsakh liberation
struggle using a mix of digital animation, expert interviews,
and on-the-ground footage. The film was shot and edited by Roger
Kupelian, an accomplished Hollywood visual effects professional with
such credits as Lord of the Rings, Alice in Wonderland, Men in Black
3 and his most recent project, East of Byzantium.
"If there ever was a place that spoke of the ancient fighting spirit,
it is this," said Kupelian about Artsakh. "We can all find our own
journey there and I certainly can say, for one, that stepping foot
on that land affected me for the rest of my life."
Kupelian spent time on the frontlines, capturing scenes from the war
as well as gripping exposes into the lives of commanders, volunteers,
medics, and children affected by the conflict. He attended Thursday's
screening and engaged with the audience in a lively discussion
following the film.
"Artsakh is still crucial today in terms of what our up-and-coming
generations can do in order to affect the outcome of where Armenian
lands will end up in the future," remarked Kupelian about the
importance of focusing on the issue. "A major loss now would be a
catastrophe for the Armenian spirit. Additionally, a peace-certainly
on fair terms for native Karabakhtsis-would invite back those who
would once again work the land and bring back vital energy."
Attendees were visibly inspired by both the film and the first-hand
accounts shared by Kupelian during the discussion. Many stuck around
after the filming to purchase copies of the film and to learn more
about the AYF's campaign.
Copies of the special-edition DVD, which includes a sequel featurette
with rare interviews with participants in the war a decade after the
cease-fire, can be purchased online at www.WithOurSoldiers.com.
Portions of all proceeds will go toward the medical treatment of
disabled veterans of the Artsakh war in need.