DOCUMENTARY FEATURING SYSTEM OF A DOWN OPENS TODAY – DEC. 8, 2006
Blabbermouth.net, NY
Dec 8 2006
Launch Radio Networks reports: "Screamers", a new documentary about
the history of genocide throughout the 20th century featuring SYSTEM OF
A DOWN, premieres in Los Angeles today (Friday, December 8), with the
film expanding to other cities in January. The members of SYSTEM OF A
DOWN are all descended from survivors of the Armenian genocide, during
which the Turkish government slaughtered 1.5 million Armenians. SYSTEM
frontman Serj Tankian told Launch that the film features an interview
with his grandfather, who is one of the few remaining eyewitnesses to
the genocide. "My grandfather is a survivor," he said. "He’s 96 years
old and it’s a genocide that occurred 90-some years ago, so there’s
very few survivors. He lost his brother, his father, his uncles, he
was left in different orphanages, he’s lost his sight from malnutrition
and, you know, the fact that he survived is an absolute miracle."
"Screamers" was directed by filmmaker Carla Garapedian, who is also
an Armenian-American.
The film examines the causes of genocide, from the 1915 Armenian
extermination to the Holocaust to recent atrocities in Rwanda and
Darfur.
Tankian and drummer John Dolmayan met with members of Congress last
April to lobby for legislation recognizing the Armenian genocide. The
bill has been repeatedly blocked by Congressional leaders.
SYSTEM OF A DOWN is currently on an extended hiatus as the members
work on various solo projects.