Robert Corsini interviewing Archbishop Pargev Martirosyan in Stepanakert, capital of what was Artsakh 2018 – before eventual Azerbaijan take over, yet another act of Turk aggression against Armenians that displaced 200,000 from their homes and cost thousands of lives. ‘Architects of Denial’

In 2016, Videocratic Media, Robert Corsini, and Associated Television International began early research for the film, “Architects of Denial.” It is about the ongoing denialism of the Armenian Genocide by Turkey. This denialism has present-day political enablers.

The Armenian Genocide was tragic. It was of epoch proportions. It began in 1915 during World War I and lasted until 1923. During this chaotic time in the Caucasus, Armenia found itself caught between two empires. The Ottomans (present-day Turkey) were to the West, and Russia was to the north. As the Ottoman Empire collapsed, it exacted brutal retribution. It targeted the Armenian populations of Eastern Anatolia for their alliance with Russia.  An estimated 1.5 million Armenians lost their lives at the hands of the Turks and their agents. The Armenian genocide forcibly displaced and killed many people. Survivors scattered across the globe.

Filming in the disputed areas of Nagorno Karabakh (Artsakh) 2018, before the Azeri takeover. ‘Architects of Denial’

During subsequent decades, the global system of denialism never held the Turks accountable for their crimes. Many documents and first-person accounts detail the brutal treatment of the Armenians. However, the Turks were able to hide the true story of the Armenians’ decimation. The film “Architects of Denial” (AOD) shows how people hid the systemic denial of these crimes. It has sadly appeared in global conflicts since, such as the Jewish Holocaust, Sudan, and Rwanda. When people deny genocide, it continues to resurface. It does so until someone holds them accountable.

The “Architects of Denial” production team traveled worldwide to tell this complex story. They took multiple production trips to Armenia, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Israel, Germany, Los Angeles, Washington D.C., and London. They sought out expert views on genocide and the Armenian experience. This feature is compelling. It gives a unique analysis and details what genocide is, and recognizing genocide is the key to lasting peace and reconciliation. This applies whether in Armenia, Darfur, or Berlin.