Yesterday I saw the film After Freedom from Vahé Babaian. He was born in Iran moved to Lebanon and is now settled in California. He was in town with some of the crew.
About the film: As a film student I saw many little glitches with the editing and some of the camera work. The story was interesting. Although this wasn’t my style of film, I would say that Vahé has raised some interesting issues. He’s discourse is about immigrant Armenians in relations to their host country. Although we’ve read and discussed this issue more than once within our community Vahé has been able to transfer the discourse to a global forum.
Yesterday Montreal Armenians sat side by side with Montreal Indians, Asians, Haitians and everyone saw themselves as the immigrant family. The issue now became more appealing for a younger generation of Armenians because they’ll be able to better communicate their families’ experiences with these other communities.
After the film, I had the pleasure of meeting Babaian and some of the crewmembers. Hamik (Mik) Tomassian, the main actor, joined us for drinks after the show. He is a really nice guy and has lots of talent. His role was pretty difficult and he was able to convey the director’s messages pretty well.
Last Saturday, I had seen Vahé walking down Ste-Catherine Street with Atom Egoyan. No body guards, no groupies… after all this is Montreal! When we met then we started talking about the film and other things. He seemed like a real nice guy. You know like the big brother type.
Egoyan has put a show together at the modern Museum of Montreal that deals with collective memory. It opened Today and I’ll let you all know about it in my next log.
This weekend is Labor Day. Most Montrealers go away to Party. I will be doing the same with a bunch of friends. Tamar, a close friend has a chalet up north. About 12 of us will be spending the weekend there with food, drinks and more food …
Varanta will be 7 weeks in 2 days… wow!

I don’t believe it has already been a year. Last year at this time I was happily strolling in the streets of Yerevan enjoying cafés at Art Bridge, bonjiks at the Bonjikanots and late night strolls in the city. You’re probably wondering how come I was reminded of this. Well on the 22nd of August is Lara’s and my wedding anniversary. The first year we celebrated this occasion in Armenia with our LCO friends (you know some of them, they write in the repats log… Raffi K, Madelene) Last year we went to Hin Yerevan for the occasion. This has to be one of the best restaurants of Yerevan. Besides the authentic décor and the great food, the restaurant also offers live entertainment. A group of 10 musicians and singers perform while some 4-5 dancers entertain us. I suggest this place to all the tourists.

Last weekend there was a Kermess as I had told you. More than 4,000 people attended during the weekend. Aram Asatian was good. Although I don’t enjoy his music in the car or at home (I don’t have any of his albums) he was able to liven up an open air Armenian fest. There were lots of food and of course alcohol. This may turn out to be not such a good thing. At the end of the day on Sunday, some of the attendees drank a little too much and a fight broke out. These people had brought some bottles from home… ts, ts, ts! Regardless most of us had a blast.

This weekend the Montreal World Film Fest is showing an Armenian film about life in Glendale. The film is called AFTER FREEDOM by Vahe Babaian who is an Iranian born Armenian who immigrated to LA with his family. I’ll be a film critic in my next log. Any of you have seen the film before? What did you think about it?

MISHD BADRASD

Always Ready to Log!
Ok. Some of the news are known for you. The scouts of the ARARAT group of Buenos Aires came back from Armenia where more than 600 scouts of Homenetmen joined together. Tuesday 20th Hrand Markarian, an important chief of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation came to Argentina. He will expose his public speech next Wendesday 28th. In the province of Córdoba, the Armenians celebrated the 10° anniversary of the freedom of the City of Shushí. People of Homenetmen are really excited because of the NAVASARTIAN TOURNAMENT in Buenos Aires. People from Brazil and Uruguay will be here for sure. The Homenetmen Club here is celebrating its 75 birthday. The Marash Club
is trying to collect stories about the genocide to publish in their page. Another great thing is the cartoons in Armenian that a friend of mine in LA launched a pair of weeks ago, their group is called Dream Cage Studios . I re-started the university. It seems that I’m going to have a hard last part of this year so sorry if I am not logging oftenly.
On the other hand, something occurred about my last log of August 8th. A jewish-armenian girl called Naira got angry because of what I posted about the Jewish “PREVENTION” in the Armenian quarter of Jerusalem. If you want to comment about it, Do it!
Ok, A big bachig for our readers,

+++HovhanneSS+++

PS: If you read Spanish and you want to now things about our community read Diario Armenia .

Summer is almost over and I really don't know where those 2 months went!!! Yes, I'm still here... The past couple of weeks have been somewhat "weird" as I've been done with my treatment and overwhelmed by all the things I have had to catch up with! :) I have to admit it is a VERY pleasant change from staying home all day and having nothing to do. I've been running errands here and there, and let me tell you, if I haven't written something down in my little black notebook, then you can be sure that it is NOT going to get done. It seems that my memory is REALLYYYYYYYY bad nowadays and I forget things about 3 seconds after I'm told them.... weird... what if I have alzeihmers? (aman, that's nothing to joke about....hehehe)

So last Sunday--the one that just passed, I went to a concert where the "Little Singers of Armenia" performed! These young singers had come to the U.S. representing Armenia in different competitions and so they also did a little tour in different parts of the U.S., of course Los Angeles being one of their "stops". I had met the director of the choir, Tigran Hekekyan, the first time his choir visited L.A. back in the mid 90's. How he is able to teach these young children is AMAZING!!! The only way to describe how incredible they sound is to say that while sitting in the audience, if you were to close your eyes, you'd hear ONE voice...as if ONE person was singing, but in reality there are about 40 children singing. Today they return to their hometown Yerevan and from speaking with them, it was apparent that even though they were having a good time on their tour, they were anxious to go back HOME....and that to me was what made them an incredible group of young Armenians. They expressed through their songs (even with their big Armenian eyes) the love for Hayasdan and it's that genuine feeling that gives you the goosebumps while listening to them! :) BRAVO!!!

Ahhh yes, Arsineh mentioned Olympics in Philly. I will also be heading out to Philly next Thursday, which will be the last big bang of this summer! :) This would be my 3rd Olympics experience, and let's just say they get better each time, because each year you make more friends and meet more people and so it becomes more than just a "regular" Armenian event. This year, us "west-coasters" are participating in the softball games....so let's see how that goes! :)

More to come...
TSUH! :)~

So what is the update of life in the Diaspora in Norht America? So far, I've heard plenty about System of a Down breaking new grounds and rocking Ozzfest with the ANC right by their side. I heard Kef Time at the Cape brought many Armenians together in one way or another. I hear Ararat got mixed reviews here and there, but I have nothing but high hopes. I know Egoyan is unique, but I've always loved his work. One thing I haven't heard anything about is what is going on with TARC. Before I came to Armenia four months ago, I heard there were talks of them starting up again, meetings being held here and there. But I haven't received news on any activity at all lately.

One thing I know is a definite is AYF Olympics in Philly in two weeks. I wont be competing this year, thank God, I'm not so sure the pounds I've gained in Armenia will be able to handle a backstroke to one side of the pool and back. But it will be a nice way to return to the US... a nice welcome with all the Armenians I know in one hotel.... or two or three. Olympics is always a very surreal event. It's always the last of the summer... Kef Time at the Cape, Homenetmen Olympics, Camp, Navasartian games, Summer internships, Kermess, then finally Olympics. It seems to be the finishing touch of everyone's summers. Then nothing. Well, I guess I should find a job, then.

It’s been a full summer.
I finished my classes last week… Yahoooo!
We celebrated Varanta’s 1st month yesterday and I’ll be leaving for parental leave in September. I must admit it’s a little frightening. Did I tell you that I was planning to work on my film proposal and put more time in painting during my leave. Well, that’s the plan. I will be around the house very often to feed and take care of my 2 daughters (and my beautiful wife) but I will also spend many hours working on a film that I have scripted for a while. My main goal is to find some funding that will pay for my research and then the tournage. I can’t tell you much about this yet but if it’s a go, I can assure that Armenia is where I’ll be shooting the film. Besides that, I paint. I will be working on a few projects where I will hopefully be able to exhibit some of my work.

So much about what I am doing. Here are some interesting things happening in my community. This coming weekend Aram Assatrian and his brother will be in town for the annual Kermess. This fest is organised by the Armenian school (Sourp Hagop) that is affiliated with the Tashnak community. It’s usually a huge success. This is where you can find lost Armo friends or maybe a future wife/husband. Last year Tata was the performer. I missed this event because I was in Karabagh with LCO. I don’t like Aram’s music all that much but I will definitely go to the Kermess on Saturday. I’ll let you know what I thought of Aram after I see him live for the first time. This’ll be Aram 2nd visit to Montreal.
Speaking of which, we don’t get many celebrities in Montreal that often. Nune has been here once, Roupen Haghvertian; once, Arthur Mesjian; once, Tata; once. The ones we get often are Harout Pamboukjian, Paul (I really don’t like his music… a la turka), Adiss, and the likes. I don’t know why that is? Is it because the community here doesn’t know or like these artists? Is it because we are too cheap to pay their fee? Or is it simply that we are not enough in the community to support their shows? I think the value of the CAN$ is very low and that the community is cheap too. OK, We’ll not go into this now.
System of a Down was in town 2 weeks ago. They rocked! I saw them perform and boy do they make me proud. They are unique in what they do and the quality of their music is up there.
One last important thing happening in Canada. The Armenian Embassy has flown in 8,5 tons of Armenian orange tufa and has commissioned the Armenian Tokmajian sculpter to make one of the largest sculptures outside of Armenia to be carved out of this monolith tufa. They are looking for contributions to make this happen. The location is perfect for the general public to see… and it is in the capital city of Canada (that is Ottawa). If you want more info or wish to help them visit www.armembassycanada.ca

PS: it's great to hear about the Armenian communities around the world (or at least there where the loggers are writing from.) Keep it up!

Well I think it's time I posted something. I've been quite busy up 'til now, weddings to go to and the such-like! But now on Friday 16th I'm off to Hayastan for a year with the Armenian Volunteer Corps. I really can't wait and am very much looking forward to it all. Two of the other volunteers are also joining me and we're all flying out together from London, so it should make for an interesting flight!
Looking forward to meeting up with everyone out there, it should be an absolutely brilliant year......plus, aside from winter conditions , the weather has got to be better than the UK!

I've been in the bunker for the last few weeks with two more weeks left. I am finishing up a grueling summer session of MBA classes. I want to get done with this program ASAP so I can move on to other things. I did have time to watch a movie this weekend. "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" was pretty funny as I had a few laughs.

In other news... now that the "Yeraz" CD hype is winding down in some ways, it's time to focus on the next CD release. The next Pomegranate Music release is Armenian Voices performed by the Hover Chamber Choir of Armenia. Folks, I have to say that this is one hell of a CD. The release date is Nov. 26, 2002 to coincide with "Ararat" being released in the theaters on Nov 29, 2002 here in the States. Some of the male choir members of Hover will be on the soundtrack of "Ararat" by longtime film score expert Mychel Danna. my view is that Armenian Voices displays Armenia at its finest in terms of music. The choir replicates much of the program that won them the Gold Medal at the Choral Olympics in Linz, Austria in 2000. The recording was finished long ago, now the finishing touches are being put on the design work by none other than the great designer Arsineh Khachikian. I, for one, am looking forward to seeing her back in Boston. As are about 200 of her AYF followers...Just in time for Olympics...

Been reading Lena's stories on Georgia with suprising interest. I really have no interest in their country or culture except that Armenians had a lot to do with building that nation. I'm more interested that Lena gets back to the home team in one piece...Retirement in Armenia sounds pretty much like a no-brainer...

The interns left yesterday morning. I'm more relaxed, but sad the same. Despite a few snags, it was truly an honor in a way to introduce eight American-Armenians to their homeland. I realized that the last night when I saw in their faces how distressed they were about leaving and how grateful they were for the experience.

I return to the US in 9 days and counting. Everyone I speak to, including the people at the laundry service I go to, keep telling me it makes more sense for me to stay in Armenia. I could probably get a nice job, live better, buy a house and establish myself better in Armenia. But the reality is that I need to be in the US right now. My family is there, and I have unfinished business. I have so many ambitions when I am here, so many ideas, but until I get my feet on the ground, coming to Armenia isn't going to help anyone, including myself.

Reflecting on what I've done here, it feels very minimal. I try to think of how my stay has impacted people in Armenia and I can't think of anything other than I've made bonds with select people that emotionally made a difference. But more importantly, I think I've realized that just giving money to an orphanage, while being a very feel good solution to maybe one problem, overall does not answer Armenia's dire needs. To do that, one must come here, emerge themselves into the people, society, the culture, understand it and work from within. So for me the most important thing I did was introducing others to the country. While it didn't feed children... actually it did, but probably for a few days. While it didn't solve the problems of Armenia, an investment has been made. It's quite possible that some of these interns may return in a few years with a better understanding of the people and the culture. The "Repatriate Recrutment Agency" concept thus carries through.

So the idea of this Agency was actually a joke, but it's been brought to my attention that 1) it's a good name, 2) it's a good idea. Though we all seem to do such work unofficially, it might be nice to see an official agency that works specifically towards returning Armenians to the homeland. I'll give up all rights to the name if anyone jumps at the idea!

Finally! I'm going to Armenia! Will be there from 29th August till 7th September, of which planning to spend 4 days travelling in Armenia and Artsakh!

The trip should cover the following monasteries and fortresses in Armenia and Karabakh - Kobairavank, Odzun, Sanahin, Hakhpat, Akhtala, Kerants, Goshavank, Haghardzin, Sevanavank, Noraduz, Dadivank,Gandzasar, Eritsamankanc, Djraberd, Askeran fortress, Gtchevank, Tatev, Gndevank, Noravank, Khor Virap ...
Major towns which will be visited are - Yerevan-Aparan-Spitak-Vanadzor-Ijevan-Dilijan-Sevan-Qavar-Martuni-Vardenis-Goris-Sisian-Vaik-Eghegnadzor-Yerevan. /in Karabakh - Martakert-Martuni (Karabakh)-Aghdam-Stepanakert-Shushi-Lachin/

I'm still thinking over it, your comments are welcomed. Please let me know if anyone would like to join us. Currently there are 4 people (including me) who are in the team. The trip will start on Monday 1st September and end on Thursday 4th September . If interested please write to Vart_Mar@yahoo.com

Hope to get up to 8-9 people. Please respond only those, who can appreciate Armenian nature and architecture and who are not keen on staying in 4-5 star hotels with air-conditioning:) Participation also means that you agree to stick to discipline and accept my leadership in strategic issues :) I'm not a dictator don't worry.

Waiting for your Emails.
Vartan

CULTURE


Buenos Aires is still in an eternal crisis but armenians are still fighting. On the first days of the past July the music joined the whole community. The band called "HAI BAND" played their original music in a very well known place of this city. The band plays a mixture of Jazz, Pop, and Rock and, of course, Armenian music. The band could bring an original way of playing Armenian music and the great thing was that the non-armenians present got really interested about the Armenian music. On the other hand, two weeks ago the community laughed at all. In the Marash Club, a bunch of boys and girls acted out a play by the legendary armenian writer BARONIAN. The director was Ruben Dorumian who created this place for kids to perform armenian classics of the literature. The staff is called HAI GRUP.
Next Sunday and then 17th August will play here some chamber musique, jejeje. The Argentinean musicologist Alicia Terzian is bringing to Argentina two armenian ladies that will be playing the violin and the piano. Their names are Armene Stakian and Sylvie Koumrouyan, both from Switzerland.
The day of the Armenian Mothers is coming and the church will be full because in that they after badarak there will free food. (armenian traditions…hehe)
We are very worried about the BARON DER lands that jewish goverment occupied…It’s nasty to see how this goverment is taking advantage of the situation to take revenge about the armenian position. So the office of the Patriarchate has been occupied too. Lets Help TORKOM MANUKIAN against those who call themselves the unique nation that suffered a genocide…(Simocito Peres)


+ + + HovhanneSS + + +