‘Defying Deletion’ To Screen in Australian Parliament
After making a real impression in the US political arena, a buzzed about doco – chronicling the near-genocide of Iraq's ancient Assyrian community – is headed down under.
Defying Deletion - a short documentary which has impacted US legislation - will premiere at Sydney Parliament House on August 7 and then Federal Parliament on August 14.
While the Iraq War has proven fertile subject matter for many screen stories (both movies and docos), little has been written about the plight of Iraq's ancient indigenous Assyrian community that now sits at the tipping point of genocide.
From American-based, 27-year-old director André Anton, Defying Deletion is an emotionally charged 25-minute documentary bringing to light the ongoing persecution of one of the world's oldest races.
After the US led invasion in 2003, the Assyrians - Christian in their belief system - have been the target of hatred with over 600,000 fleeing their country and thousands dying. This ethnic cleansing will see Iraq depleted of the Assyrian people and Christianity within a decade without intervention.
Combining personal testimony of Assyrians with commentary from leading international figures in the Assyrian community, Anton's film has garnered considerable festival buzz and perhaps most importantly, the interest of leading international figures who are speaking out about the travesty facing the Assyrian people.
"It is simply unacceptable to watch an entire race of indigenous people die out," said Anton. "My goal is to get people talking. Over two million Assyrians are being forced to seek refuge in foreign lands because they fear for their lives, so how can we help them?"
Following a screening in the US Congress, new legislation was passed that required the US State Department to report on the plight of the Assyrians and develop a comprehensive strategy to ensure their survival.
For more information and to watch the trailer, head here.
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