Hye Sharzhoom Armenian Action
Photo: ASP Archive
Claire Kasaian
Staff Writer
The Armenian Studies Program and the CineCulture film series presented the Fresno premiere of the movie “Roots” on Friday, November 2, to an audience of Fresno State students and community members. Directed by Vahe Yan, the 89-minute movie was filmed on the eve of the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.
Lilit Martirosyan, who producer “Roots,” was invited from Armenia to be a discussant for the film. She is a 1996 graduate from the Yerevan State University, Oriental Studies Department, but found her true passion in the entertainment industry. She has extensive experience in the film industry and also organizes, coordinates and produces various TV projects, concerts and events.
“Roots” is about Aram, who was born in Armenia but moved to Boston at an early age. He is a journalist and blogger who travels to Armenia for the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide to report about the special events.
During his trip he meets Anet, who is from France. Ironically Anet, is one of Aram’s most avid blog followers, and always comments on his posts.
The story is centered on their budding whirlwind romance in their motherland during one of the most iconic commemorations in Armenian history.
After the showing Martirosyan answered questions from the audience. She also spoke about some of the challenges in the process of making the film.
Martirosyan explained that the two main characters, Aram and Anet, were not professional actors.
She said non-professionals were cast in the movie because it was felt that the connection between the two would be more raw and more real.
“I loved how this movie was filmed while the real events were going on. Finding your Armenian identity, which I felt was the theme of the film, was portrayed very well. When you live in the Diaspora and visit Armenia it changes your life forever,” said student David Safrazian.
Another student, Dustin Vartanian, said “I thought it was a unique that the movie was both informational and entertaining at the same time. It’s cool how they combined two story plots into one film.”