Suzanne Khardalian’s documentary film “Grandma’s Tattoos” will be screened in Turkey as part of the 10^th annual International Filmmor Women’s Film Festival.

Khardalian said she was delighted her film would reach Turkish audiences. “My film might serve as a platform to invite dialogue, to discuss issues that are very difficult. It is actually an invitation to deal with our deep-rooted taboos, taboos that have crippled us, both Armenians and Turks.” 

Khardalian said she was also a bit nervous because the film was a very personal story. “When making this film, I understood after long deliberation and reflection that I had to be in this. Although the film is about my grandma, it is as much about myself. It is about my reality today.” 

She said rapes and traumas of women deeply concerned her as a female director, because her grandmother was exposed to violence and her body was tattooed during the events of 1915. 

“To be born as a girl was a tragedy for her. I can still hear her cursing me, and I did not like her. When I found out the reality, I felt enormous shame,” she said. 

“I have never been to Turkey. But let me tell you that like all Armenians I know the geography by heart,” Khardalian said.