In Siroun, Two Friends Are Pitted Against Each Other During the Armenian Genocide

Posted By C. M. Rubin on Jun 2, 2021

Why is it important for us to revisit history? What purpose does it serve for us to look back on our ancestors and examine the events that happened? 

Oorlagh George is an Academy Award-winning female director. In her short virtual reality film, Siroun, now screening on the Planet Classroom Network YouTube Channel, audiences follow the story of two friends caught in the midst of the Armenian Genocide. The film takes on the perspective of Temin, a Turkish boy, as he reflects back on the tragic death of his Armenian friend, Artak. 

Siroun is an extension of the central theme of The Promise, the epic 2016 feature film directed by Terry George (starring Christian Bale, Charlotte Le Bon, and Daniel Giménez Cacho) which is set immediately before the Armenian Genocide. In Siroun, the audience learns more about the ethnic discrimination and prejudice Armenians faced during this period of turmoil.

The creators effectively take advantage of our emotions. We feel the pain that victims of war must feel on a daily basis. The film is complemented with an amazing VR experience and an astounding narration and sound mix. The animations captivate us as the main character revisits the past reflecting on what could have been before bringing us back to the devastating reality of what actually happened. “I always wished I had stood up for him at that moment. My dreams are haunted by questions…Where did this hate come from? Is it in some of us, is it in all of us?” Temin questions. 

I would rate this film 5/5 stars. It educated me on the impacts of the Armenian Genocide on a personal level. I felt the guilt and the helplessness of Temin and more respect towards the Armenian community. And in general I believe these types of films should be used more in education because one really feels the impact these events had on those affected.

Patricia is a student at Portland State University majoring in Film with a minor in Theatre Arts. In addition to her internship at CMRubinWorld as an Audio/Video Editor Intern, she is a video editor, AAPI representative, and cultural chair for PSU’s Filipino American Student Association: Kaibigans, being an advocate for the Fil-Am and AAPI community and leading the cultural events for the organization.