Cinematography may end Armenia-Turkey conflict, says Turkish film-director

The Armenia-Turkey conflict is based on fear, German film-director of Turkish descent Fatih Akin told a press conference today in Yerevan.

"I have made that clear [for myself]. The point is that the fear that comes forth while casting a look at the truth must be surmounted. Films, music, literature can take by your hand and lead you in dark rooms," said he.

Akin is sure that films can be important tools in the Armenia-Turkey conflict.

"Cinematography has such power that is needed to overcome that fear," noted Akin, adding he hopes that time would come soon.

Saying that that fear has destroyed several souls in Turkey, Akin went on telling journalists that his parents were born in Turkey.

"I do not feel like making a tragedy out of what problems did I face due to my Turkish identity," said he, highlighting the fact that all his films except Soul Kitchen touch upon those topics.

Further he said he looked at Turkey as an outsider.

"I have tried to understand Turkey. By shooting Crossing the Bridge I thought I understood [the essence of Turkey], but life shows that I have not understood it completely."