By Maria Asatryan
Argentinean-Armenian actor, founder of Cinemateca Armenia project Jack Boghossian arrived in Armenia to be a member of jury of Kin (Woman) international festival. In an interview with NEWS.am, Jack Boghossian told about his project and the films he likes.
You are a jury member of Kin (Woman) film festival held in Armenia. What is the difference between a film directed by man and woman?
The difference is not to be a man or woman. The difference is what kind of man you are and what kind of woman you are. If we speak about woman, there is a certain movement of feminists trying to show things not important for men. They direct the topic to women. For me the important thing is to direct a good film and I do not care of he is a man or a woman. In general there is different proportion between men and women but it is internationally. Women came to cinema late. One of the first women who directed a film in Armenia was Rosalie Frangulyan, we had animation filmmakers. I do not like when a book or film have a message. I think the message is something that you must have after you see the film and you talk with your friends. Cinema must not be ridiculously pedagogical.
Ten year ago you founded Cinemateca Armenia project, showcase of Armenian cinema in Buenos Aires. What response did it get? Who is your audience, only Armenians or someone else?
I understood that Armenian films are not known in Latin America, entire America. So, I decided to begin working for Armenian cinema. Beginning was difficult, I felt alone. Nobody wanted to know about Armenian cinema because they had a lot of prejudice. People thought that Armenian cinema was a Soviet style, boring long and old fashioned. It was difficult but people helped me. I was never rejected by anyone. Little by little I founded Armenian program in Buenos Aires sponsored by Armenian General Benevolent Union. My entire program is 100 percent free, program for all the people. Once a month Armenian films are screened. The films are screened in Montevideo and Cordoba. Most important is to include Armenian films in different important international festivals. If there is a festival in Argentina and Uruguay, you will see an Armenian film.
Are there any Armenian films which are in demand?
All tell me: “Jack, please, we want comedies.” People want to laugh. We have excellent classic comedies, such as Tzhvzhik, Voske Tslik. It is not my favorite genre but we try to show them. When we do not have Golden Apricot, you can go to Moscow cinema and you have horrible American films and, to my surprise, there are two Armenian comedies running for a long time. I do not think Armenian cinema needs comedies, Armenian cinema needs what directors want to make.
What kind of movies must Armenian filmmakers make to be demanded and long expected in the region and Diaspora?
Directors must work from themselves. The director must do something, he is convinced to do. Armenian director must have support, making cinema here is very difficult. Director has to know what he wants to do for himself.
Do you think people want comedies because there consider there are two kind of films a comedy and a serious film about history or Genocide? There is a certain gap in Armenian cinema that must be filled in. Why not to direct a film which is neither comedy nor tragedy, for instance a drama about love, politics or something else?
They do not want to see tragedy, people want to have fun. I am talking about Armenians not about Argentineans as they see different kind of films. I agree that there is a gap that must be filled. We have to show Yerevan stories.
Tell about your plans. You are a professional actor. Do you plan to play in a film or directing films?
As an actor I played in an Armenian film here. I would like keep on working here. I have not been playing much but it does not mean I am not actor. There is a stupid opinion if you do not appear in a soap opera, you are not an actor. An actor must not work permanently, he must teach, investigate and study. I am working on a project which has to do with Garcia Lorca. I work on a monologue that has to do with a part of his life. I am also working on a scenario based on Borsches story. As to Cinemateca, next year we turn ten, we will celebrate and have big screenings and showcase in Uruguay. There is no other place in the world where once in a month you can see an Armenian film.
Can you present Armenian community in Argentina and cultural ties with Armenia. What cultural events are organized by Armenians there?
We have a lot of institutions. May be they think differently but in the end of the day they gather. We have Armenian schools, I teach in one of them. We have Armenian newspapers, a lot of radio programs. We have choruses and a dance ensemble. Some people make poetic meetings. More it is about signing, dancing and music.
How would you like to see Armenia and Yerevan when you come here next time?
I would like to have peaceful elections. I do not want the previous situation to repeat. When I come next time, I do not want to listen that many of my friends would like to leave the country. I want them to have a decent job and decent salary. I want everything to improve, to see new films. I would like to see Nairi cinema open and to have more cinemas. I want good life for everyone not only in Yerevan but the regions. We must protect any square meter we have because it is the land which cost many efforts to have. Armenia and Artsakh must be protected by all of us. I want my people to live decently, not only in the capital but in entire Armenia.
