The December 12, 2017 DVD release of the 2017 documentary "Architects of Denial" by Film Movement division Omnibus Entertainment deserves praise for shining a spotlight on the issue of the ongoing impact of of the titular failure to acknowledge the Turkish government 1915 genocide of Armenians. It should be indisputable that the mass killing of a population simply for being that population is reprehensible; it is equally true that most individuals and institutions continue engaging in malicious and horrendous behavior until adequate penal and preventative measures occur.
The star power behind this film literally includes Superman. "The Adventures of Lois and Clark" star Dean Cain is a co-executive producer with talk show host Montel Williams. The numerous talking heads include WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange.
"Architects" goes above and beyond regarding its subject by doing more than providing the context for the central mass extermination and including the grisly footage that is an important element of this film. Director David Lee George shows how the value of good relations with Turkey motivates the governments of the United States and other world powers to go along with the leaders of that country in denying that the events of 1915 occurred and in asserting that Turks in Azerbaijan are not continuing the inexcusable murdering and raping of Armenians based on the same irrational prejudice in the 21st century.
Footage in "Architects" shows every president from at least Clinton through Trump courting the favor of the then-leader of Turkey; additional scenes show numerous members of Congress either denying the genocide or clumsily skirting the issue.
The proof that George presents extends well beyond the aforementioned disturbing images. Survivors of the 1915 genocide and subsequent attacks tell their stories, which include a rape purposefully committed in front of the mother of the victim. We further learn the results of scholarly research and see written proof.
A particular segment deserves special praise. Recent separate non-Movement documentaries comparing the evils of plastic products and of corporate-owned grocery stores to the atrocities of Nazi Germany has created strong feelings regarding that tactic. Thus, seeing footage of Hitler in "Architects" initially prompts dread; learning that he reasoned that the Turkish government successfully denying the Armenian genocide and never being held accountable for it emboldened him regarding the Holocaust tremendously justified playing that card.
The certainty regarding the topic extends to Turkey not being held accountable for these mass killings playing a role in them continuing; there also is concrete proof of a link with Hitler. Less certainty exists regarding the scope of this influence. It seems tenuous to argue that a group that is planning genocide relies on Turkey largely getting away with that tactic. One must remember that the Nazi defense of only following orders lacks a high success rate.
The larger issue is that the world continues turning a blind eye to some of the worst events in human history. The good news is that documentaries such as "Architects" increase the scrutiny of such collaboration; the bad news is that much of the world still only pays attention if the information is presented in a Hollywood blockbuster starring a hunky Hollywood A-Lister known for promoting social causes.
Anyone with questions or comments regarding "Architects" is strongly encouraged either to email me or to connect on Twitter via @tvdvdguy.
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