Events Gallery

The premiere of Testimonies of War took place on 6th August 2017 at Hayashen, followed by Q&A with filmmaker Athena Mandis and a networking opportunity during an enjoyable buffet reception by all those present. The CAIA wishes to thank everyone who attended the event and all those who contributed to the project.

Not one but two outcomes of the UK Armenians & WW1 project took place at the Wiener library on 12 October 2017 – screening of Athena Mandis’ film Testimonies of War and display of the exhibition based on the project research findings. It was very exciting and moving to share our work with public, and we were humbled by everyone’s positive and encouraging response. People mentioned the importance of this research for the younger generation in their feedback; some of the attendees said it motivated them to go and conduct research into their family history; some had excellent suggestions how to continue the project further, etc. We’d like to thank the Wiener Library for being wonderful hosts as always.

Ealing is a place of diverse narratives where communities come from all over the world to make their home. They bring with them their distinct cultures and expressions that are unified in a common desire to create a home for themselves and their families. Migration, settlement and home are universal themes for life in the city of London.

The CAIA took part in a collaborative event between local artists, residents and community groups entitled @ Home in Ealing – Shaping Identities through the Arts to celebrate these themes throughout music, poetry, stories, exhibitions, crafts and film.

The 4-hour long event was held at Dominion Centre & Library, Southall, on Saturday 2^nd December 2017, was attended by over 100 people including Rupa Huq, MP for Ealing and Acton. (see photo above standing alongside Rachel Pepper, Director, ARTification and CAIA CEO Misak Ohanian).

The CAIA showed its HLF supported film “Testimonies of War” and an exhibition about Armenians refugees/genocide from the early part of the 20^th century.

On 18th January 2018, CAIA screened its Heritage Lottery Funded “UK Armenians & WW1” film and accompanying exhibition at Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation – UK Branch’s beautiful offices in Shoreditch. It was very exciting to share our research with over 40 invited guests, and hear their feedback and views. The film was followed by a lively Q&A and discussion with the film Director Athena Mandis. A buffet reception took place at the end with the guests viewing the exhibition. Huge thanks from all of us at CAIA to those who attended, contributed to the evening, and especially The Gulbenkian Foundation UK for being wonderful hosts.

 Sample feedback from the audience:

“Thank you for this very informative and professional film”
“Very thoughtful and informative. Thank you”

On Sunday 4th February, CAIA screened its Heritage Lottery Fund “UK Armenians & WW1” film and accompanying exhibition at the Holy Trinity Armenian Church in Manchester. Over 60 people across Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham and further afield from North England attended the screening which took place following the church service and community meal. The project was introduced by CAIA CEO Misak Ohanian, who also talked about the work of CAIA and answered questions about the project. The CAIA is grateful to the Armenian Church wardens in Manchester for enabling this event to take place.

Sample feedback from the audience

“This topic has been under-researched over the years and info could be lost, so the film and exhibition and website are vital in recording information before it is lost”
“As an Armenian I was impressed by the way this presentation touched on the Genocide without the usual graphic images and concentrated on the positives of the survivors”