SOS Culture Films are in the making

After few weeks of hard work the SOS Culture Youth Clubs are approaching the stage of making their own short films. The young club members spent much time and effort to have the final topics for their films and draft scenarios that are going to be completed very soon. The trainers on film-making and journalism will guide them during the film-making process. The topics of the future films are very interesting, focusing on the diverse cultural and natural heritage of Armenia.

The Akhtala SOS Culture Youth Club developed two film scenarios: One is dedicated to Akhtala Community, dealing with environmental issues and culture preservation focusing mostly on the Monastery of Akhtala. The second scenario is about the history of Aramyants Chateau (resort buildings). This story line offers the young film makers the opportunity to tell the story of a person who had a huge role in the development of their community.

The members of Alaverdi SOS Culture Youth Club raise in their scenario very urgent topics for their community. They want to raise awareness about the current situation of Sanahin Monastery. This huge complex is neglected and decaying even though it is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The most important issue in Lori region, particularly in Alaverdi, is the existence of a copper factory. The Young members of the club will explain the negative consequences of copper mining for their community and will come up with an alternative, suggesting cultural tourism as a way of community development and preservation of cultural and natural heritage.

Young people from Varagavan have suggested their topic focusing on the current issues of the village and also showing the process of restoration of Nor Varagavanq.  Non material culture of the village will also be included in the film. During many discussions young people came up with another idea for the film. They suggested telling the story of two stones that have a significant place in the history of their region. Several legends about those stones symbolize the strength and the power of people who lived there.

Finally, SOS Culture Berdavan team will make a film about their village –the history of the old and new village, current issues that this village is facing. Young people who are so proud of their history and culture will tell us stories about the Old Cementaryand about the castle named Ghalinjaqar.

Young people do believe that their films will have a huge impact on raising awareness about their communities, about the rich cultural heritage in the region and also those films will serve as an advocacy tool for gaining the attention of the authorities.