I didn’t like the film. It has a highly complicated scenario, and it is pretty clear that it is aimed towards suiting the Armenian Diaspora’s liking. The Turkish stance is also scattered within the story by presenting an impartial account of the events, but it is primarily based on the assumption that there was genocide.
I am a person who believes that the events of 1915 cannot be characterized as Genocide. I sometimes felt disturbed while watching the film; the events are distorted and facts are presented in an emotional and abstract manner. But it is not successful as a propaganda film either. The film producer was criticized by the Armenian Diaspora after the premier of the film. In summary, “Ararat” is not impressive at all from the perspective of Armenian propaganda either.
What I want to emphasize here is different.
Kanal Turk did the right thing. It proved that this film can be shown in a Turkey that has self-confidence and that does not believe the Armenian allegations of genocide. It showed that the airing of a propaganda film is looked at as a normal thing in the society, no matter how disturbing it is.
When the film first premiered on the big screens, everyone was scared. It was forbidden to air it in movie theatres. It seems we have created an unnecessary taboo.
Kanal Turk displayed an act of courage.
It boosted our self-confidence even more.
After the airing of the film, the events were discussed and debated based on the Turkish perspective. The world didn’t come to an end and the public watched it as mature viewers.
So, it was a success.
It means we can listen to different views even if they are disturbing and express our opinions at the same time.
Tuncay Ozkan has accomplished a “first” that deserves congratulations.
Mehmet Ali Birand
“Turkish Daily News”, Turkey