Shohreh Aghdashloo's new film to open in US theaters (Videos)

Apr 15, 2017

Independent Source of Iran-related News/Events, Kodoom.com: “What takes place in the movie 100 years ago, the Armenian Genocide and the background of this beautiful triangle love story, is what has been happening for the last 100 years and it is still happening,” the Iranian-American actress Shohreh Aghdashloo said in an interview with TheWrap about her new film The Promise, which will open on April 21 in theaters across the US via Open Road.

On Wednesday Aghdashloo attended the red carpet premiere held at the TCL Chinese Theater in Los Angeles with her daughter Tara Touzie.

Directed by Terry George and set during the last days of the Ottoman Empire, “The Promise” follows a love triangle between Michael (Oscar Isaac), a brilliant medical student, Ana (Charlotte Le Bon), a Paris-educated beautiful, sophisticated Armenian artist, and Chris (Christian Bale), a renowned American journalist based in Paris. When Michael meets Ana, their shared heritage, sparks an attraction that explodes into a romantic rivalry between the two men amidst the World War I. The Ottoman Empire, after joining the war on the German side, turns violently against its own ethnic minorities such as Armenians. Despite their conflicts, everyone must find a way to survive — even as monumental events envelope their lives.

Iranian Americans are expected to support the epic movie. Academy Award Nominee Shohreh Aghdashloo, whose performance in the movie has attracted critical praise, says the movie is timeless. For example, the government of Syria is now denying that a genocide is taking place, much like the Turkish state denied that the Armenian Genocide occurred in the early 1900s: “The Film is very relevant to what is happening nowadays.”

At the film's premiere, Christian Bale also discussed why he thinks the movie is especially timely now:

The film was made possible by a generous donation of $100 Million by late billionaire Kirk Kerkorian. Film producer Survival Pictures will donate all proceeds from the film to various non-profit organizations including Elton John’s AIDS Foundation (EJAF) and other humanitarian and human rights groups. “Such giving has never happened with a film of this scale, we wanted the world to know about it, and we are incredibly grateful,” says EJAF Chairman.

The film will also help fund non-profits geared to helping spread Armenian culture and education as well. “It was Kirk’s wish to be philanthropic. It all starts and stops with his generosity,” said Survival Pictures' Dr. Eric Esrailian, one of the producers on The Promise. “We are honored to announce this generosity, thanks to the late philanthropist and humanitarian Kirk Kerkorian.”

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