Grandma’s Tattoos film’s world tour continues: No invitation yet from Armenia

The launch ceremony of Grandma’s Tattoos film by Suzanne Khardalian, Swedish-based director of Armenian descent, took place in Stockholm nearly a month ago. The film tells about the cruel fate of Armenian women who have experienced the Armenian Genocide and discloses the mystery of tattoos made forcibly on the bodies of Armenian women in those years. Through her personal story, the director reveals fates of thousands of Armenian women.

Suzanne Khardalian told Ermenihaber.am about the film screening and spectators’ comments.

“The film’s tour continues. We have already received invitations to participate in various festivals. The United States shows a particular interest in the film. Grandma’s Tattoos will be screened in a range of cities in the U.S. from mid-November to mid-December,” the director said.

According to her, the film will also be screened in Swedish schools, as part of the UN anti-racism projects.

Below are some comments on the film from spectators:

“This is a shocking film, an extremely important film that brings new knowledge, rouses compassion and urges for action.”
Maria Smaberg, Reseracher, lecturer at University of Lund.

“Suzanne is unafraid to use her camera (and her pen) as a digging tool and forge truth out of lost fragments; I like this film dearly and so will you, all 59 minutes of it.”
Bedros Afeyan, Poet and critic

"Grandma’s Tattoos gives a new picture of the Armenian genocide - the women’s story, until now hidden behind a veil of taboos and forgetfulness. It is a deeply moving and thought provoking film, very personal but also totally universal – Grandma’s story is and has always been the fate of women in conflicts.”
Lotta Schullerqvist, journalist and writer

“Suzanne Khardalian has made a compelling film that takes you all the way to the hot sands of the desert of Der el Zor. With courage she forces herself to stare into the pain and shame of thousands of young women and children who were victims of the Armenian genocide. This is a powerful movie, and you recognize that being personal is the only way of telling a story that is difficult to comprehend.”
Cecilia Zadig, Journalist, Leadership coach.

“The film takes you on a fascinating journey and by putting the pieces of the puzzle together, step by step it breaks down the walls of silence. Grandma’s Tattoos is an important document covering aspects of the Armenian Genocide that we heard little about.”
Göran Gunner, Associate Professor, Researcher at Church of Sweden Research Unit.

The film is also of particular value to us, Armenians. It is not known when the film will be screened here, in Armenia. Suzanne Khardalian said she had not yet received an official invitation from Armenia.