Our film “What Will Become of Us” really impacted audiences. So today we launch an ongoing series about Armenian Americans to continue the needed work of educating the public (and inspiring Armenians!) The first episode is in production now, and we ask for your support.

OUR MISSION CONTINUES

Many Americans are learning about Armenians for the first time through What Will Become of Us. The importance of this can't be overstated. The thing is, memories fade. So, we need to bring new Armenian stories to the public on a regular basis. Our next project will be an ongoing film series about Armenian Americans in the same style and spirit of What Will Become of Us. Simply, instead of packing lots of stories into an hour, each story will be its own half-hour program. We are talking about an entire film series featuring Armenian Americans! Our goal is to keep Armenians in the American consciousness for years to come.

We need your help. Please consider a tax-deductible donation to support completing the first episode of our new series – the story of Father Armenag Bedrossian.

Please choose a tax-deductible donation level. For some donation levels, you may have to manually enter the amount in the “Other Amount” field on the next screen. Our nonprofit partner, the Greater Philadelphia Film Office requires a $25 minimum donation.

STARTING THE SERIES OFF STRONG

In our first episode (entitled No Difference Between Us), we meet Father Armenag, an Armenian-Catholic priest in Los Angeles. He works tirelessly to aid Christian and Muslim refugees escaping the atrocities in Syria to secure their lives in America. Father Armenag, an immigrant who himself lost many family members to ISIS provides an example of what it means to truly be Christian, and, to truly be a humanitarian. He shows love to all people, including those who may not share his faith or culture.

TODAY & TOMORROW

What Will Become of Us is still playing on PBS stations across the United States. The audience response has been fantastic. Many major stations show it multiple times, and even use it as a pledge drive centerpiece. In some markets it has been #1 in the TV ratings! (The film is available for stations to broadcast for three years.) We hear from viewers that the film is working – non-Armenians are gaining an appreciation for Armenian history, traditions, and contributions – the first step towards supporting a strong Armenian future. At the same time, Armenians across America are further motivated to preserve, promote, and take ownership of their culture.

The stories in What Will Become of Us are just a taste of what Armenian Americans have to offer. While doing our research, we uncovered many more stories than we could include in a one-hour film. Some of these stories were so poignant, that we decided early-on that each one needed their own half hour program – and so we would make a series next. More importantly, creating a series will allow us to keep Armenians in Americans thoughts into the future.

To complete Father Armenag’s story, our first episode, we need your financial backing. Our goal is $95,000. If you would like to support impactful stories of the Armenian-American experience, please consider a tax-deductible donation to this project today.

MORE ABOUT THE SERIES’ FIRST EPISODE: NO DIFFERENCE BETWEEN US

An Armenian-Syrian immigrant and priest, Father Armenag, is beloved by his Armenian-Catholic parish and his immigrant community in Los Angeles. His cell phone is always ringing with requests for help. Going beyond his daily parish responsibilities, he reaches into Christian and Muslim immigrant communities to understand the cultural values, beliefs, and needs of the immigrants he aids, even to the extent of pursuing a graduate degree in Islamic Studies.

We see him helping a young Armenian-Syrian woman with hand cancer as well as a Muslim family that knows little English in need of assistance with their U.S. government-required paperwork. We are privileged to witness a moment of surprise when a refugee whom he is helping receives her long-sought green card. He works ceaselessly against a backdrop of personal sorrow. Some of his family members have died at the hands of ISIS. Many are refugees in far-flung places worldwide. Still others are at risk in Syria. Every day he battles sadness and fatigue, filling his waking hours with prayer and outreach to those in need. Through his humanitarianism, Father Armenag sets an example for us to follow and serves as a fantastic representative of Armenians to the American public.

Please consider a tax-deductible donation to this project today. Thank You!

If you are interested in our previous project, What Will Become of Us, find it here.

If you would prefer to make your donation via check, please print and mail this donation form.