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Faces of the First Genocide

The Armenian Film Foundation has created a commemorative poster on which the faces of more survivors of the 1915 Armenian Genocide are being added. A series of beautifully designed posters might accommodate all who choose to take part in this great project. Paul Kalemkiarian, Sr. of Escondido has chosen to sponsor 45 family members - Michael Minasian of Montebello is sponsoring four.

Greg Kadorian, son of survivor Sam Kadorian of Van Nuys, submitted a sponsorship form for his father not long before Sam`s passing last month at the age of 98. `Sam was always eager to share his personal history and welcomed being photographed and interviewed. I think, since he himself was a photographer, he appreciated and wanted to support our efforts to create a world renowned archive of visual materials on Armenian heritage,` commented Dr. J. Michael Hagopian, founder and chairman of the Foundation. `His son`s gesture is a fitting tribute to a fine man who, despite the atrocities he endured and witnessed during the Genocide, went on to live a rich and full life.`

The poster project gives a voice to survivors, some who are unknown to those who decide to sponsor them. `Since my family lived in Iran and was fortunate to escape the atrocities, I chose to sponsor Haig Ohanian, a respected teacher and Genocide survivor,` says Claris Sayadian-Dodge, project co-chair. `Each sponsor will receive a copy of the finished poster, a wonderful keepsake that the Armenian Film Foundation plans to also circulate among educational institutions, and cultural and media organizations worldwide.`