Orphans of the Genocide

The Armenian National Committee of Lebanon cordially invites you to the screening of "Orphans of the Genocide" (Language: English; Subtitle: French).

Metropolis Empire Sofil, Ashrafieh: Thursday 23 January 2014 @ 8:00 pm
Der Melkonian Theater, Bourj Hammoud: Friday 24 January 2014 @ 8:00 pm

"Orphans of the Genocide" is a visual journey through archival footage and discovered memoirs of orphans who lived through the Armenian Genocide.

The documentary mainly follows the findings of Maurice Missak Kelechian which unveil the site of an Armenian orphanage located at the present day Antoura College in Lebanon. It also brings to light numerous other orphanages where Armenian Genocide orphans wereaccomodated. In addition, the documentary includes interviews with numerous public figures including renowned journalist Robert Fisk, whose 2010 article in "The Independent" included many archival evidence inspired by Kelechian's findings.

"Orphans of the Genocide" profiles Sabiha Gokcen, the first female Turkish combat pilot, who is claimed to be an Armenian Genocide orphan (originally Hatun Sebilciyan) adopted by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk the founder of modern-day Turkey. The documentary also traces the lives of many orphans who lived through the horrors ofwar, losing parents, enduring separation from siblings, and being shipped to various countries.

Moreover, the documentary explores American Near East Relief Foundation's efforts in saving and sheltering over 150,000 documented Armenian Genocide orphans between 1919 and 1926, by setting up over 200 temporary and permanent orphanages in historic Armenia, Turkey, and the Middle East.