Spielberg’s genocide film claim refused

ISTANBUL- Hürriyet Daily News

Spielberg’s involvement in efforts to produce a genocide film was refuted. REUTERS photo

The Armenian National Film Academy has refuted claims acclaimed director Steven Spielberg is involved in efforts to produce a movie on Armenian “genocide.”

Armenia’s Yergir Media website yesterday reported Spielberg and “Schindler’s List” writer Steven Zaillan were “in talks” on a film about the 1915 events and they will be supported by the Armenian National Film Academy.

The film was “set to premiere in 2015” on the 100th anniversary of the 1915 events, according to the website.

Speaking to the Hürriyet Daily News, Vartan Abovian, deputy director of the Armenian National Film Academy, said he was baffled by the story.

“We indeed have plans on a movie on the Armenian genocide,” Abovian said. “However, this is still in the ‘idea’ phase and nothing has been decided yet. We are trying to find the budget. And we are definitely not in talks with any director.”