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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.
Society for Orphaned Armenian Relief Naples Chapter to Host Spring Dinner & Update
NAPLES, FL – The Society for Orphaned Armenian Relief (SOAR) is holding an informational dinner and organization update at the Hole In the Wall Country Club, 3600 Goodlette-Frank Rd., Naples, FL 34103 on Friday, March 18, 2022. Cocktails will be served beginning at 6:00pm with dinner to follow at 7:00pm. Donations are kindly accepted. To RSVP or for more information contact Dr. Chuck Hajinian at 262-352-4140 or email naples@soar-us.org. Space is limited so please reserve early.
Here are the projects currently being funded through SOAR:
- Department (CHG) Renovation at Children’s Home of Gyumri: $10,000 estimate; a “department” at this orphanage includes a bedroom, kitchen and playroom. CHG is a residential facility serving special needs children ages six years and younger.
- New Gate at Gavar Orphanage: $2983 estimate. Gavar Orphanage is a residential facility serving children ages three to 18.
- Bathroom renovation at Yerevan Ajapnyak Community Children’s Social Care Center: $2,077 estimate. This is a non-residential facility serving special needs children ages six to 18 and their families who are experiencing difficult life circumstances.
- Roof Renovation at Kharberd Orphanage: $1132 estimate. Located in Yerevan, Kharberd Orphanage is a residential facility serving children and young adults with severe disabilities.
Boston Based Barsamian Development Building Luxury Homes in Naples
NAPLES, FL – Boston-based Barsamian Development is currently constructing their first single-family luxury home in the Southwest Florida real estate market, according to a report in Naples Daily News.
The property is located at 774 South Golf Drive, a site which will overlook the new Four Seasons Resort Hotel’s golf course, where construction has recently begun for that multi-billion dollar project.
The two-story home is a five-bedroom/seven-bath plan with 6,182 square feet under air and 8,564 total square feet under roof, including a two-car and a single-car garage.
The home, designed by MHK Architecture & Design of Naples, will be built by Naples’ luxury custom home builder Lotus Construction with interior design and furnishings by Freestyle Interiors of Bonita Springs.
This extraordinary home from Barsamian Development has a pre-construction price of $13,750,000. For the convenience of the owners, a sporty golf cart is included.
Barsamian Development is well known in the Boston area. Its founder, Michael Barsamian, a resident of Naples with his wife Kaye, is currently developing a $360-million mixed-use project in the northeast.
MutualOne Bank of Framingham, Massachusetts is providing the financing for the project. Mark Haranas, president and CEO of the bank, and Mr. Barsamian have worked together on multiple projects over the past three decades.
In addition to his South Golf Drive model home, Barsamian will also be developing other single-family home projects in Olde Naples and Aqualane Shores in the near future.
Florida Armenians 