Chinese Dragons on Ancient Armenian Sculptures and Europeans in Armenian Clothes

A Conversation with Director Ruben Gini on His Factual Film “Armenia: The Great Chinese Journey”

In 2011, director Ruben Gini embarked on a fascinating project to uncover the historical connections between Armenia and China. His factual film, “Armenia: The Great Chinese Journey,” aims to captivate audiences of all ages and backgrounds by exploring the intricate ties between the East and the West.

“This is not the history of one particular nation. I aim to create a factual film that will be equally interesting to viewers of different age groups from different countries – from a scientist to a student,” says Ruben Gini.

The film delves into the mysteries of the Ancient East, seeking answers to questions such as when the first connection between the East and the West occurred, who the first European to visit Tibet was, and who the first Chinese traveler to Rome and the West was. According to Gini, these answers are hidden in the annals of time.

“In any case, in our new factual film, we will try to find answers to these questions, based on the latest archaeological data, international publications, and interviews with Asian and Western experts. This is what makes the film exceptional,” Gini explains.

To thoroughly examine Armenian-Chinese relations, the film spans three significant periods: ancient times, the Middle Ages, the 20th century, and the modern era. It also highlights the Expo held in Shanghai, China.

“I think this is the most convenient time to work with archives, because 100 years after the communist foundations, this country has been rediscovered. Now a Westerner can access unexplored documents and sources,” the director notes.

Gini reveals that while the script is partially ready, it is constantly being updated with new facts and adjustments. The ambitious project will involve filming in five countries and fourteen cities.

Born in Yerevan, Ruben Gini moved to China in 2004 to work as an artistic director for an advertising company. Fluent in Armenian, Russian, Chinese, and English, Gini values the experience he gained in China, describing it as “more valuable than gold.”

Modern archaeological research has uncovered evidence of connections between Armenia and China dating back to the 2nd century BC. The film showcases ancient finds such as Armenian coins discovered in China and depictions of Chinese dragons on Armenian sculptures.

Gini emphasizes that Armenian-Chinese relations have not been adequately studied. He points out that Armenian clothing served as a gateway to the trade routes of the East. “Europeans dressed in Armenian clothes to see the wonders of China,” he notes.

Through “Armenia: The Great Chinese Journey,” Ruben Gini aims to shed light on these historical connections, offering viewers a unique perspective on the intertwined histories of Armenia and China.

Artatsolum