News

SYDNEY: Screamers – the documentary that examines genocides through the eyes and music of the Grammy award-winning rock band System of a Down (SOAD) – attracted a sell-out audience of over 700 to its Sydney premiere at Cremorne’s Hayden Orpheum on Wednesday night. The Sydney screening, organised by the Armenian National Committee of Australia (ANC Australia), follows one held in Melbourne on Sunday, which attracted a further 400 people to the Village Cinemas in Glen Waverley. Screamers explores the genocides of the Armenians, Jews, Cambodians, Rwandans and the people of Darfur, whilst also featuring seven live performances by SOAD, whose grandparents are all survivors of the Armenian Genocide. The film’s director, and first ever American to anchor BBC News, Ms Carla Garapedian was present at both premieres, and applauded the attendees in Sydney for joining the united cry for recognition of crimes against humanity. “Thank you very much for attending,” said a humbled Garapedian. “It is a credit to ANC Australia and the Armenian-Australian community for being able to attract such a large gathering of people – both young and old – to this screening.” ANC Australia were delighted that over 1,000 Australians were able to view the theatrical release of such a ground-breaking film. “It is a film with widespread appeal due to the fact that its stars are the phenomenally-popular System of a Down,” said ANC Australia Community Relations Officer, Lara Alajajian. “They are grandchildren of survivors of the Armenian Genocide, and have decided to lead the fight for recognition using their popularity as a tool.” Ms Alajajian extended her gratitude to Garapedian for accepting ANC Australia’s invitation. “Ms Garapedian has been a tireless guest, promoting this film in the media and greater Australian community,” she said. “We thank her, and are delighted Australian audiences have had the chance to view it in theatres.” The Screamers DVD will be released worldwide by Sony BMG in January, 2008.