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Recommendations for Preserving Armenian Heritage

As part of our project to preserve Armenian heritage for future generations, we recommend the following films, documentaries and books.

Movies & Documentaries

The Cut (2014) - Directed by Fatih Akin

A powerful drama following a survivor of the Armenian Genocide in search of his missing daughters. Deeply human and politically bold, the film gives voice to the untold stories of exile and resilience.

Grandma's Tattoos (2011) - Directed by Suzanne Kradalian

A personal documentary uncovering the mysterious tattoos of the filmmaker's grandmother, revealing a hidden history of abduction and sexual slavery during the genocide.

Sunrise Over Lake Van (2011)

A poetic documentary journey around Lake Van, exploring the emotional return to ancestral Armenian lands. A reflection on memory, exile, and identity.

The Lark Farm (2007) - Directed by Paolo and Vittorio Taviani

Based on Antonia Arslan's novel, the film tells the story of an Armenian family torn apart during the genocide. A moving dramatization of historical truth.

Western Armenia: Lost Motherland (2007) - Produced by AGBU

A documentary that examines the destruction of Armenian communities in historic Western Armenia. It seeks to preserve history and cultural memory for future generations.

The Promise (2016, Terry George)

Epic historical drama that portrays Armenian traditions and resilience.

Smyrna, My Beloved (2021, Grigoris Karantinakis)

A Greek film about multicultural Smryna in 1922, showing the lives of Greeks, Armenians, Jews, and others before the catastrophe, highlighting Armenian presence in the city's rich heritage.

Τα Ξύλινα πατώματα της Έγγυς Ανατολής | Φάσμα

Η εκπομπή "φάσμα" αφηγείται την ιστορία ενός ορφανοτροφείου προσφύγων της Μικρασιατικής Καταστροφής, που ανακάλυψε τυχαία ένας αρχαιολόγος.

Η Νέα Πατρίδα

Το ντοκιμαντέρ κάνει μια ιστορική αναδρομή στις πρώτες κοινότητες Αρμενίων προσφύγων, όπως αυτές εξελίχθηκαν ανά την ελληνική επικράτεια.

Le Voyage en Armenie (2006, Robert Guediguian)

French drama following a woman's journey to Armenia, exploring landscapes, traditions, and family heritage.

Lost and Found in Armenia (2012)

Comedy highlighting Armenian hospitality and traditions.

Calendar (1993, Atom Egoyan)

Armenian-Canadian reconnects with roots through Armenian churches.

Reflections on Women of 1915 (2016, Bared Maronian)

Documentary honoring Armenian women survivors and the humanitarian women who helped save lives.

Books

My Name is Aram -William Saroyan

Short stories about an Armenian-Americann boy growing up, full of humor, family values, and cultural traditions.

Ararat -Christopher Golden

Fiction inspired by Armenian landscapes and mythology, blending history and heritage.

The Road from Home -David Kherdian

A poignant memoir recounting the author's mother's survival of the Armenian Genocide and her journey to the United States displacement.

Rise the Euphrates - Carol Edgarian

This novel weaves together the stories of three generations of Armenian-American women, explorinf themes of identity, trauma, and the enduring impact of historical events.

Farewell Anatolia Ματωμένα χώματα -Dido Sotiriou

Historical fiction about life in a multi-ethnic Anatolian village during WWI and the Greco-Turkish War, highlighting Greeks, Armenians, and Turks.

In the name of Humanity -Eleftheria Daleziou, Maria Georgopoulou, Natalia Vogeikoff-Brogan

Documents American humanitarian aid in Grece (1918 - 1929) and its impact on communities after wartime upheaval.

The Near East Relief Orphanage of Syros - Lefteris Zorzos

A book telling the story of the largest orphanage of the Eastern Mediterranean in Syros, constructed and operated by the American philanthropic organization Near Esat Relief to provide education, training, and care for children affected by the humanitarian crisis of 1922, highlighting its multicultural legacy and the prominent figures involved.