Executive Director Jason Sohigian and Filmmaker Ani Hovannisian filming the WGBH segments in the Armenian Museum galleries
WATERTOWN, MA--Following its popular nationwide premiere on PBS, the award-winning documentary The Hidden Map has been scheduled to air again in several cities from Los Angeles to Boston during the network’s August pledge drive.
Especially noteworthy is Boston’s novel approach to telling the Armenian story. Recognizing its vibrant Armenian community, WGBH made the important decision to spend an entire day recording studio breaks for the upcoming broadcasts at the Armenian Museum of America.
Collaborating with filmmaker Ani Hovannisian and the Museum’s Executive Director Jason Sohigian, the WGBH team created a program that celebrates Armenian heritage, history, and resilience, featuring lively exchanges and museum treasures to accompany the film. They hope to engage their diverse viewership with the 90-minute program which will premiere on the main channel GBH2 on August 15 at 7:30 pm.
Boston GBH2 Special-Event Premiere of The Hidden Map:
Monday, August 15 at 7:30 pm
Sunday, August 21 at 5:00 pm
If viewers miss the primary showings, they can also watch on GBH44:
Thursday, August 18 at 12:00 pm
Saturday, August 20 at 6:00 pm
August airdates and times in other PBS markets including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Fresno, Cleveland, and Arizona are available by checking the Hidden Map website.
The Hidden Map takes viewers on a daring journey with Hovannisian, a granddaughter of Genocide survivors, as she ventures to the lost ancestral Armenian homeland to uncover the forbidden past. A chance meeting with a Scottish explorer leads to a joint odyssey beneath the surface of modern-day Turkey, where the duo discovers sacred relics and silenced voices.
“It’s a huge exhale,” said Hovannisian, “to know that PBS has taken the Armenian story and championed the truth by sharing The Hidden Map with viewers. They do it because viewers are responding. It’s a team effort, just as it is our collective story. So, it was especially exciting to film studio breaks with WGBH hosts in the Armenian Museum of America where thousands of years of Armenian creation and rebirth go hand in hand with the film.”
Sohigian added, “It was an honor to host WGBH at the Armenian Museum for their pledge drive. We’ve watched Ani’s documentary every time it has aired on PBS, and look forward to these special broadcasts, especially as the museum and film reflect many of the same themes, namely the survival and resilience of the Armenian people. We are here to share that history and culture with the world.”
Viewers who pledge a nominal amount in support of PBS will help ensure additional airings on a national stage and receive premiums including hand-crocheted dolls made by women in Armenia and free passes to the Armenian Museum of America.