ANC OF OHIO JOINS HUMAN RIGHTS GROUPS FOR CINCINNATI BENEFITSCREENING OF "SCREAMERS"

AZG Armenian Daily
02/10/2007

First screening at National Underground Railroad Freedom Center with
featured guests Carla Garapedian and Nick Clooney

Cincinnati, OH- The Ohio premiere of the movie "Screamers," will
take place on October 10th and 11th at various locations including
The Freedom Center in Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky University, The
University of Cincinnati, and the Esquire Theater in Clifton reported
the Armenian National Committee of Ohio (ANC of OH). Co-Sponsoring this
event with the ANC of OH are The Center for Holocaust and Humanity
Education, The Franciscan Network, The Genocide Intervention Network
(GI-Net), Not On Our Watch, and the Just Community Initiative at the
University of Cincinnati.

Directed by the award-winning, humanitarian activist Carla Garapedian,
"Screamers" is an internationally produced documentary that covers
the history of modern-day genocide and genocide denial, beginning
with the Armenian Genocide in 1915, and how the world’s failure to
act has led to repeated crimes against humanity. Throughout the movie,
Garapedian works with the Grammy Award winning rock band, System of a
Down- all grandchildren of Armenian genocide survivors- who through
their music and passion work to educate and motivate their fans to
become upstanders and not bystanders when it comes to genocide.

"I can’t be more pleased that "Screamers" will be showcased at The
Freedom Center in Cincinnati — a true symbol for human rights all
over the world," commented Carla Garapedian, producer of the film.

"This benefit screening is for "Not on Our Watch" which is bringing
humanitarian aid to Darfur. I am especially happy that Nick Clooney,
who has personally witnessed the suffering in Darfur, can be our
special guest. Our film is about empowering people, letting them
know that genocide is something they can do something about. As Serj
Tankian says in our film, ‘we can all be screamers.’"

Hosting the first screening, The Freedom Center is a symbolic choice
because it reveals stories about freedom’s heroes, from the era of the
Underground Railroad to contemporary times, challenging and inspiring
everyone to take courageous steps for freedom today.

"It is a sad but true fact that we as a nation care more about saving
wildlife from extinction than we do human beings from genocide. The
cycle of genocide is increasing in frequency. Then will our leaders
take meaningful action to stop the slaughter of women and children in
Darfur? When will the US have the courage to recognize the Armenian
Genocide? The time for each is now," commented ANC of Ohio Chairman
David Krikorian. Earlier this year Krikorian took part in a two-day
advocacy campaign organized by the ANCA and GI-Net to help End the
Cycle of Genocide in which activists met with their representatives
to discuss important issues, such H. Res. 106 and Darfur Divestment
legislation. Krikorian was also instrumental in having Governor
Strickland, and Mayors Michael B. Coleman of Columbus, Frank G. Jackson
of Cleveland, and Mark Mallory of Cincinnati issued proclamations in
recognition of the Armenian genocide making Ohio the 40th state to
do so.

"Screamers" debuted at the American Film Institute Film Festival on
November 2nd and won the coveted AFI Audience Award. On hand for the
opening were Garapedian, "System Of A Down" band members Serj Tankian,
John Dolmayan and Shavo Odadjian, producers Pete McAlevey and Tim
Swain, sponsor Raffy Manoukian of the Raffy Manoukian Charity and a
host of genocide recognition and prevention activists from the ANCA,
Save Darfur, and other groups. Since then, the movie has shown in
various cities including New York City, Boston, Chicago, Providence,
Los Angeles as well as international screenings in London and Armenia.

The Freedom Center is located at 50 East Freedom Way, Cincinnati,
Ohio 45202. The first screening will take place on October 10th at
6pm, with reception to follow, suggested donation $25 to benefit
the organization Not on Our Watch (for reservations please call
877-869-8105). Additional screenings will take place on October 11th
at Northern Kentucky University at 9AM, University of Cincinnati at
2pm, and the Esquire Theater at 7:30pm. Following each screening,
a question and answer segment will take place with producer Carla
Garapetian and other featured guests.

For additional information visit

Karine Birazian, Armenian National Committee of America, Eastern
Region Executive Director