Antonia Arslan’s incessant voice from “The Lark Farm”

Recently Zangak Publishing House released the Armenian versions of famous Italian-Armenian writer Antonia Arslan’s novels “The Lark Farm” and the “Road of Smyrna” (“The Lark Farm” was first released in Yerevan in 2007). The Armenian versions of the novels were released by the RA Ministry of Culture in light of Yerevan World Book Capital 2012.

Antonia Arslan’s book achieved unprecedented success. “The book was sold in 300,000 copies in a country with an Armenian population of 2,000,” says the author. The heroes, who didn’t reach their destinies, had stories to tell and people listened to them thanks to Antonia Arslan. “The book won 22 prizes and was translated in 20 languages. It is taught in Italian schools,” adds the author.

The book’s success was followed by offers for a film based on the novel from all parts of the world, including Hollywood. Antonia resisted the temptation and accepted the offer that would actually lead to film production. Arslan wanted to share the history of her nation with the world through her family’s story. Antonia agreed to have the Taviani Brothers produce the film. Paulo and Vittorio Taviani managed to turn the novel into a film despite the Turks’ pressures. The film features actors Pas Vega, Alessandro Presiosi and Arsine Khanjian.

In 2009, Antonia Arslan  released the novel “Road to Smyrna”, the “Ishtar-2, Cronache del mio risveglio” memoir in 2010, the novel “Il cortile dei girasoli parlanti” in 2011 and “Il libro de Mush” in 2012. The author wrote the novel based on the story of how the largest “Msho Tcharntir” Armenian manuscript was saved.
The novels “The Lark Farm” and “Road to Smyrna” were translated by doctor of philological sciences, Professor of the University of Venice Sona Harutyunyan.

We present  exclusive interview with author of “The Lark Farm”, Antonia Arslan by “Asbarez”:

ANUSH HOVSEPIAN: I am in shock even after reading the novel and watching the film. It is very painful, but at the same time, all Armenians should know what their ancestors experienced. With this novel, you made a great contribution to the transmission of the story from one generation to the next. Did you feel you were carrying out a mission when you were writing this novel?

ANTONIA ARSLAN: “This is my family’s story. Their life and dreams ended and I wanted to make their voice heard through this novel. I am happy and grateful to the Taviani Brothers for making a film based on the novel. The Taviani Brothers are highly respected in Italy and they didn’t give up despite Turkey’s bans and impediments. The most important thing is that they completed the film and shared our important story with the world. Although the Taviani Brothers are Italian, they fully share the pain of the Armenians. How can people turn a cheek and deny?

ANUSH HOVSEPIAN: The book immediately gained popularity. Were you expecting such success? While everyone is doing something to entertain people, you wrote a sad story that drew people’s attention. What would you say about that?

ANTONIA ARSLAN: I represent the third generation of my family. I wanted to share the pain by telling about the life of my family, people, events and situations that people understand. The book was a success because readers saw themselves among the characters. They were real people; it was a real story with real experiences. The reaction is very strong when people see what happens to their beloved heroes. I wasn’t expecting such success, but the book is currently being published for the 30th time. There are over 300,000 copies sold and there are only 2,000 Armenians in Italy. Can you imagine?

ANUSH HOVSEPIAN: After the book’s unprecedented success, you received several offers for a film based on the novel and you chose the Tavianis’ offer. Why?

ANTONIA ARSLAN: Both Paolo and Vittorio had read the book. They called me and we talked about it. After long consideration, I decided to let them make a film since they were in Italy and closer to me. That would give me the opportunity to oversee the process-something that I couldn’t do if the film was shot in the United States. I was also sure that they wouldn’t put this important story on hold.

Recently, I read a book about the 40 days of Musa Dag in which the author presents all the scenes in America where the book was written, but it never turned into a film. I asked myself, ‘Are they trying to buy me and end with that?’ So, I decided to grant the Taviani Brothers the right to make a film and I knew it would be a success. They have made several wonderful films based on history, particularly the film “Night of Shining Stars”, which is about WWII.

ANUSH HOVSEPIAN: You said the Taviani Brothers were able to end the film despite the Turks’ pressure. Could you be more specific?

ANTONIA ARSLAN: Yes, there was a lot of pressure throughout filming, but I can’t say the same about the book. The book was instantly a success and was sold as soon as it was published. It was like an explosion. The book was republished eight times within several months and I also know why. It is because the title “The Lark Farm” didn’t say anything about the Armenian Genocide.

The book was easily disseminated, but the Taviani Brothers were under serious pressure. They received an alarm from the Turkish Embassy in Italy, saying that the embassy would prohibit screening of the film in Turkey. In response, the brothers Taviani said that couldn’t stop them from filming. Turkey took other steps to prevent filming and the film’s success as well.

ANUSH HOVSEPIAN: Did Turk officials personally try to stop filming?

ANTONIA ARSLAN: The film was shot in the Bulgarian city of Plovdiv, which used to be a Roman city. Its old name was “Filipopolis”. There is a wonderful sector of Armenians in that city where the film was shot. I wasn’t at the scene, but I am aware of all the details. There were only three weeks left before the end of filming when Turkey’s then foreign minister Abdulla Gul appeared at the scene, got interested in the film and the details with the purpose of creating obstacles. But that didn’t intimidate the Taviani Brothers. They had decided to turn the film into a reality come what may. Even when they faced economic difficulties, producer Grazia Uopli made a personal investment to finish the job.

ANUSH HOVSEPIAN: Which European countries provided financial assistance for the 10 million budget film?

ANTONIA ARSLAN: Italy invested four million, France and Spain each invested two million and Germany refused to provide assistance when the pressure began. Bulgaria added the one million that was lacking, while the European Union invested nearly a million and attached importance to the film’s historical significance.

ANUSH HOVSEPIAN: Is there anything that you would like to add?

ANTONIA ARSLAN: I am proud to be Armenian and am pleased to see such a developed Armenian community in Los Angeles. I feel special. I am happy that people know about Armenians and their history in Italy, which has an Armenian population of 2,000. The book made Armenians respected and honored in Italy. Sometimes people with typical Italian names such as Giuseppe Rossi approach me and ask, ‘Perhaps I am Armenian because I feel that way’. I used to be naïve and say ‘Probably not’ and laughed. Now I say, ‘Read all possible sources about Armenians and perhaps you will find your roots.’

 “Asbarez”