First Genocide movie, "Ravished Armenia" to screen in Glendale

PanARMENIAN.Net - Abril Bookstore’s Armenian Film Society will present a screening of Ravished Armenia, with a special lecture by film historian, Anthony Slide and book signing reception on Friday, April 1, at Abril Bookstore in Glendale, CA, Asbarez reports.

In 1918, Oscar Apfel directed the silent film Ravished Armenia for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, which became the first genocide film ever made. Ravished Armenia is based on the autobiographical book by Arshaluys (Aurora) Mardiganian, who also plays the lead role in the film. The film depicts the 1915 Armenian Genocide by the Ottoman Empire from the point of view of Armenian survivor Mardiganian. Only 24 minutes of the original 90 minute film currently exists. The rest has been lost.

Anthony Slide has authored more than seventy books on the history of popular entertainment and is noted for his pioneering and groundbreaking efforts to document lesser-known areas of film history.

The Armenian Film Society is a monthly event that meets on the first Friday of each month at Abril Bookstore. Lead by Armen and Mary Karaoghlanian, the evenings are composed predominantly of film screenings and discussions, with occasional lectures, workshops, classes, and other types of activities relating to film with an element of Armenian culture and/or involvement. The purpose of the film society is to bring together people of all backgrounds and expose them to the rich cinema of Armenia, as well as talented filmmakers with an Armenian background.