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The Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) Armenia held a press conference with The Promise director Terry George and co-producer Eric Esrailian who arrived in Armenia to attend a series of memorable events that will showcase the gratitude of the Armenian people to the creators of the movie, the Union reported in a release. 

To remind, the drama starring Oscar Isaac, Charlotte Le Bon and Christian Bale is about a love story set against the horrific Genocide of the Armenian people at the hands of the Ottoman Turks in 1915 - at the outset of World War I.

“I am grateful to our people for accepting and supporting the film so warmly. The Promise happened thanks to Kirk Kerkorian's enthusiasm. Unfortunately, he passed away before the filming started and Kerkorian did not see the final product and his great dream come true. This film is an answer to the denial. With this movie we say that we still exist, we live and create in the diaspora and Armenia,” said Eric Esrailian, the co-producer of The Promise.

“This is an important movie I made after Hotel Rwanda. It was hard for me and I felt accountable, because I needed to explore and discover for myself a new region and history of a people. Four years ago, I came to Armenia to do some research for the movie. I hope I was able to tell the story of the Armenian people in a way they want to see it,” said Oscar-winning director Terry George, adding that he will give a masterclass to talented young Armenian filmmakers. Co-hosted by Creative Armenia and AGBU Armenia, the masterclass will be moderated by writer and filmmaker Garin Hovannisian, founding director of Creative Armenia.

Welcomed to their first day in Armenia, the guests shared their excitement of the expected events, including the premiere of “We Promise,” a musical tribute inspired by The Promise and based on its original score. “We Promise” will make its debut at the Yerevan Opera Theater tonight. Among the expected highlights will be an appearance by Swiss singer Veronika Stalder and Tigran Petrosyan who will sing “Sari Siroun Yar” arranged and recorded by Grammy-winning artist Serj Tankian and Stalder for the film.  Celebrated Armenian singers will also take the stage to perform a collaborative rendition of the title song “The Promise” written by the late Chris Cornell who believed strongly in the film's social action movement. Armenia’s President Serzh Sargsyan, Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan, His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, AGBU President Berge Setrakian along with foreign ambassadors and dignitaries are expected to attend the performance this evening.

“Armenians across the globe watched their significant past unfold on screen for the first time in a wide-release Hollywood production,” said AGBU President Berge Setrakian. “It is difficult to express our global gratitude for the efforts of the late Kirk Kerkorian and to those who worked tirelessly as allies in telling this story, specifically our guests Terry, Eric and their co-producers. They confronted countless challenges over the years and succeeded despite all odds. We are honored to dedicate a few events to the film, including tonight's performance at the Yerevan Opera Theater featuring many dynamic talents from Armenia.”

It is noted that on Saturday morning, Terry George and Eric Esrailian, AGBU Board members, and guests will pay a symbolic visit to the Tsitsernakaberd Memorial Complex to honor the lives lost during the Armenian Genocide and to plant a memorial tree at the Memory Alley.

A dinner hosted by AGBU will conclude the day. A symbolic present—a book of notes of gratitude for The Promise from Armenians across the world—will be presented to the honored guests.