‘Architects of Denial’ screening to open 2017 ANCA-WR grassroots conference

An exclusive screening of the much-anticipated documentary “Architects of Denial” will kick off this year’s ANCA-WR Grassroots Conference, the signature gathering of experts in law, politics, media and advocacy that takes place biennially and is organized by the Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region.

The screening will take place on Friday, October 6 at 8 pm at the Pasadena Convention Center and will be followed by a welcoming reception to kick off the two-day conference that will continue on Saturday, October 7 at the same location, Asbarez reports.

“Architects of Denial” is a documentary feature about the Armenian Genocide and the effects of its denial by Turkey and the international community of future such horrors around the world, among them the Azerbaijani aggression against Artsakh. The film is executive produced by celebrities Montel Williams and Dean Cain, both of whom will be participating in the “Film and Arts Panel” of the conference.

The fourth of its kind, this year’s ANCA Grassroots Conference will include a “Profile in Courage” panel, which will feature an intimate discussion with Garo Paylan, an Armenian member of the Turkish Parliament representing the Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP). A staunch advocate for justice for the Armenian Genocide and justice for minorities, Paylan will receive the prestigious ANCA-WR “Freedom” Award on Sunday, October 8 during the organization’s annual Gala Banquet.

The ANCA Grassroots Conference will feature panels on “Transnational Justice: Road to Reparations,” which will bring together legal experts from “The Promise” Institute at UCLA and the Armenian Legal Center for Justice and Human Rights who will discuss the pursuit of justice through reparations.