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Watch ‘The Hidden Map’ on PBS in Florida This Weekend
Florida Armenians is pleased to announce that PBS (Public Broadcasting Service) will air the Armenian story THE HIDDEN MAP, giving all of us the rare opportunity not only to journey into the forbidden past, but to bring the continuing story to life for millions of viewers.
The film will premiere in Florida (Jacksonville, Ft. Myers-Naples, Miami, Tampa, and West Palm Beach) beginning on Saturday, June 11, 2022 and Sunday, June 12, 2022. See local listings below for viewing in your area.
THE HIDDEN MAP takes viewers beneath the surface of modern-day Turkey, where the forbidden Armenian past has been awaiting discovery for more than a century. The story comes to life as Ani Hovannisian, an American-Armenian granddaughter of genocide survivors, ventures to their lost ancestral homeland in search of long-buried truths. A chance encounter with a Scottish explorer, Steven Sim, leads to a joint odyssey unearthing sacred relics, silenced voices, daring resilience and the hidden map. The result is a story of discovery, heartbreak and hope that belongs to all of humanity.
Produced by Storydoc Productions, THE HIDDEN MAP is directed, produced, written and edited by Ani Hovannisian.
PBS made the historic decision to distribute this independent film to more than 300 stations nationwide both because it recognizes the power of the film and because during its Southern California debut viewers responded with an outpouring of support.
With its national release, viewers who pledge even a nominal amount in support of PBS’s broadcasts of THE HIDDEN MAP will not only help secure additional airings on a national stage, but will receive unique gifts, including exclusive hand-crocheted dolls made by women in Goris, Armenia– some of them displaced citizens of Artsakh who are supported each time a viewer requests a doll.
This is an unprecedented moment in history when we can all easily help to bring this human story of heartbreak, discovery and hope into the homes and consciousness of millions of Americans, while touching the lives of Armenians today.
ABOUT
An American-Armenian granddaughter of exiled genocide survivors dares to venture to their lost ancestral homeland to uncover long-buried truths. During her travels, she meets a lone Scottish explorer who had stumbled upon this mysterious land of secrets years earlier. Together the duo digs beneath the surface of modern-day Turkey, discovering sacred relics, silenced voices, fearless resilience, and the hidden map.
The documentary premiered nationwide on NBCLX in April 2021, coinciding with the U.S.’ official recognition of the Armenian Genocide. Overwhelming audience and critical response prompted nine encore broadcasts. It was also the top broadcast on PBS SoCal and KCET in December, ushering in more screenings in 2022. THE HIDDEN MAP has earned more than a dozen honors at international film festivals and was considered for three 2021 Primetime Emmys.
More information is available at thehiddenmap.com and pbs.org.
Armenian Church of South West Florida Raises Funds for Children in Need
By Carole Meghreblian
FLArmenians Naples Contributor
Last month, the Armenian Church of Southwest Florida (ACSWFL) mission parish collected $1,067 as part of the Diocese’s Department of Mission Parishes food drive for children in need.
(Also on FLArmenians: Florida Mission Parish Update from ACSWFL)
The funds were donated to the Harry Chapin Food Bank of Ft. Myers, in memory of the children who were victims of anti-Armenian pogroms in Azerbaijan (1988-89) and the war in Nagorno-Karabagh (1991-1994).
Meg Madzar, Campaign Project Coordinator, Harry Chapin Food Bank & Carol Meghreblian, ACSWFL Parish Council Chairwoman
The Harry Chapin Food Bank serves five counties in southwest Florida: Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry, and Lee. In 2011, they distributed 15 million pounds of food and other grocery items valued at $24.9 million, to more than 160 non-profit partners who serve more than 30,000 people monthly. This is a first-time collection for the ACSWFL, and they intend to make it an annual event.
Armenian Church of Southwest Florida Hosts Religious Leaders
Armenian Church of Southwest Florida Hosts Religious Leaders
By Carole Meghreblian
FLArmenians Naples Contributor
The Armenian Church of Southwest Florida concluded its last service of the season on Sunday, March 11 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Naples, Florida. Over 125 parishioners were present, the largest number of parishioners to attend Holy Service (Badarak) to date. The Very Rev. Fr. Aren Jebejian from St. Gregory Armenian Church in Chicago was the celebrant. He was assisted by Deacon Allan Tossoonian from St. Hagop’s Armenian Church in Pinellas Park. Organist Pierre Abadjian and fourteen choir members from across the United States, provided the beautiful music. Also in attendance were Hayr Soorp’s parents, Rev. Fr. Nerses and Yeretzgin Aurora Jebejian.
A light luncheon followed in the hall where parishioners enjoyed both an Armenian and American menu. The annual bake sale, featuring delicious katahs, simit, and other Armenian favorites, was completely sold out.
Anyone visiting or living in the Naples, Fort Myers, Marco Island area and wishing to participate in future events, please follow http://www.FLArmenians.com. Services are held November through April.
Carole Meghreblian is the Parish Council Chair of the Armenian Church of Southwest Florida. She can be reached at carolemeghreblian@gmail.com.
This story has been updated.
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