We came across this historically intriguing film we wanted to share with our Armenian community. This epic film, produced in 1964, depicts a weakening Roman Empire struggling to maintain its power and defend against a growing number of enemies on all fronts. To do so, Caesar decides to unite Rome and powerful ally Armenia through the marriage of his daughter with Armenia’s king. An all-star cast, including Alec Guiness, Christopher Plummer, Sophia Loren and Omar Sharif, playing the King of Armenia, bring this memorable story to life.
In this short clip, which we found amusing and endearing, Rome’s allies arrive to show their allegiance to Caesar. However, Caesar is somewhat indifferent to most of his allies except when Armenia’s king presents himself.
This film documents how German diplomats and soldiers denied and covered up the deaths of Armenians at the hands of Turkish soldiers in 1915. Some of the German soldiers who denied and covered up the deaths later went on to serve under Hitler during World War II.
“Germany and the Secret Genocide” was directed and produced by Emmy-nominee Dr. J. Michael Hagopian. He utilizes emotional videotaped interviews with Genocide survivors and witnesses, rare German documents and letters and expert interviews to relate this horrific event.
“This film was designed as a memorial for those who lost their lives in the Genocide and to inspire and educate Armenians living outside of the country about their culture and the history of their ancestors,” said Hagopian. “Part of that commitment means telling the truth about history, including the fact that Germany looked the other way as millions were slaughtered simply because they needed Turkey’s support during the war.”
“Germany and the Secret Genocide” is the second installment in the Armenian Film Foundation’s “Witnesses” trilogy. As part of the project, the Armenian-born director has filmed almost 400 eyewitness interviews throughout the world, capturing their accounts of the Armenian Genocide. Of the 11 people featured in “Germany and the Secret Genocide,” only one is still alive.
Dr. Hagopian put aside his career as a political science and economics professor at University of California, Los Angeles to pursue a career developing educational films and documentaries. His dedication has earned him numerous awards, including Emmy nominations – for the writing and production of “The Forgotten Genocide,” the first feature length film on the subject.
Watch the full-length film here:
Germany and the Secret Genocide
Director: J. Michael Hagopian Release date: May 15, 2003 (United States) Production company: Armenian Film Foundation
