The Armenian community of Nicosia got the opportunity to watch the film "Salvation Map" on Thursday, November 17, 2016 at Nicosia University’s "Cine Centre" Hall. The organizer of the event was the Hamazkayin "Oshakan" Chapter in Cyprus. The film is about the life of five missionary women from northern Europe.
Those five women were Maria Jacobsen and Karen Jeppe from Denmark, Bodil Katharine Biørn from Norway, Alma Johansson from Sweden and Anna Hedvig Büll from Estonia. Five sacred women, who left their calm and prosperous life, listened to the voice of God and their conscience, rushed to Western Armenia and Cilicia and established orphanages. They were eyewitnesses of the Armenian massacres and genocide. After being deported from Turkey, the five selfless women, who had been named as "Mama" by the huge army of Armenian orphans, returned to Middle East and again established orphanages and refuges, and continued to save the survived Armenian orphans.
The producer of the film Manvel Saribekyan was invited to take part in the presentation of the film. The participants of the event were deeply impressed by the film, its subject, and quality. It could really be compared with the best contemporary European films.
In his brief opening speech before the screening, Manvel Saribekyan explained how difficult the conditions, under which the film was produced, were. He said that it is possible now to watch the film in eight different languages, and the Turkish version of the film will soon be also available.
Listening to the opinions of people leaving the hall, one with no hesitation could say that the audience highly appreciated the film.
"Ardzagank" magazine editor Arto Tavitian said that the film's producer, Manvel Saribekyan deserves high appreciation for making such a film. It is a high quality film, which in the best way represents the Genocide issue to foreign circles. Owner and editor of the "Cyprus Armenians" website Simon Aynedjian noted that this film is one of the powerful propaganda weapons in the struggle for the recognition of the Armenian Genocide, and it should definitely be screened for the Cypriot Turks, when its Turkish version is ready.
The owner and director of "Mouflon" Library Ruth Keshishian expressed her admiration noting that such creations undoubtedly make our voice heard, especially when they present foreign witnesses testifying and speaking about the Genocide.
The audience congratulated the Hamazkayin Executive Board, which despite the difficulties growing day by day, seeks to keep alive the community's cultural life through such activities.
