The Last Supper.Today was my favorite day of class by far. The morning was a discussion about the boundaries of racism, sexism, prejudice, etc. and their relation to conflict. In the afternoon we were treated to the showing of a documentary produced by a Greek Cypriot filmmaker, professor, and “peace journalist” named Tony Angastiniotis. His film, Voice of Blood 2-Searching for Selden, tells the story of several specific injustices committed by the Greeks and Greek Cypriots in 1974 most specifically related to the killing of men, women, and children and their burial in mass graves around the island. It was a disheartening but necessary illustration of the factual information that we have been given; especially the story of a man who lost his 27 year old wife and and three small children, including a baby girl just 16 days old (Selden).
Tony was able to join us about half way through the movie and we had an opportunity to ask him questions and hear more about why as a Greek Cypriot he chose to make a film depicting the injustices committed by “his side” as well as his experience of being called a “traitor” and the use of his footage as Turkish propaganda. It was a hands-on experience that I didn’t think we’d be fortunate enough to have.
Tony was able to join us about half way through the movie and we had an opportunity to ask him questions and hear more about why as a Greek Cypriot he chose to make a film depicting the injustices committed by “his side” as well as his experience of being called a “traitor” and the use of his footage as Turkish propaganda. It was a hands-on experience that I didn’t think we’d be fortunate enough to have.
Tony Angastiniotis Dinner became an extension of our good fortune as we were joined by Tony, Salime (the coordinator of the International Center at EMU) and another of Ahmet’s friends. I had a great chance to talk to Tony about his Native American heritage (which he has only recently discovered), his journeys through and life in the Troodhos Mountains, his upcoming projects including a piece showing the other side of the 1974 events as well as an investigation in to the mass killings of Canadian natives.
As if the company was not enough, the feast was amazing and there were so many that I’m not sure I can even recall each course. We started with the traditional meze salad, humus, helum, yogurt/cucumber, fresh tomato, bread, etc. Then meatball, grilled eggplant and tomato, beef and lamb kebab and when we thought it was all over, the most tender chicken I have ever tasted, plus watermelon, sort of a cross between honeydew and cantaloupe, grapes, peanuts, Turkish coffee, and tea. Pretty much anything we have tried to date was featured. Plus we were able to experience the post-meal, raki supported Cypriot sarcasm between Ahmet and his friends- yet another way I think I could really run with this lifestyle. It was quite a way to begin closing our island experience.
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