A documentary review by: Lee Sonogan
89mins(2006)Documentary
“You can’t get to genocide without first visiting identity politics.”
― A.E. Samaan
The informative film explores why genocides have occurred in modern day history. It features talks from Serj Tankian, lead vocalist of the American alternative metal band System of a Down, whose grandfather is an Armenian Genocide survivor. Screamers is now shown in Armenian Youth organizations to explain and clarify the Armenian Genocide, and raise awareness. Also, it is used to educate Armenians and others about the genocide.
Internationally known director Carla Garapedian follows the rock band System of a Down backstage as they share the history pointing out the horrors of modern genocide that began in their home country of Armenia in 1915 up to today. All members of System of a Down are of Armenia decent. Showing the reality behind the music, there is many live shots of songs in this documentary. Estimated this documentary had a budget of $1 million.
Soundtrack to the documentary:
- B.Y.OB.
- P.L.U.C.K
- Cigaro
- Chop Suey
- ATWA
- Aerials
- Holy Mountains
- War
- Mr Jack
- Spiders
- China Girl
- Nreank Enkan
In 2006, Screamers won the AFI Audience Award for Best Documentary. Ken Hachikian, of the Armenian National Committee of America, described the documentary as a “powerful contribution to the anti-genocide movement.”. Journalist Hrant Dink was assassinated in Istanbul in January 2007, by a 17-year-old Turkish nationalist shortly after the premiere of Screamers. Which he was interviewed about Turkish denial of the Armenian Genocide of 1915 and the case against him under article 301.
The documentary shows disturbing images of what genocide does. Intense history that is one of the biggest crimes in world history. The doco makes you belive that the time in history needs awareness. For humanity a genocide is much worse than war. Since this doco came out, many more genocides have occurred. Pointless death is a waste of human potential. Genocide must be avoided in politics at all costs.
7.13/10
“Genocide is the responsibility of the entire world.”
― Ann Clwyd, A Matter of Principle: Humanitarian Arguments for War in Iraq
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