Bars Media

06/04/2026

We are relieved to share that filmmaker Rojhilat Aksoy has been acquitted in Diyarbakır, Turkey. The charges, brought under Article 301 for “insulting the state,” followed a screening of our film Aurora’s Sunrise.

Today’s hearing at the Diyarbakır 22nd Criminal Court of First Instance began before a large crowd gathered in support. Despite the prosecutor presenting a final opinion requesting Aksoy’s punishment, the court ruled in favor of justice and freedom of expression.

At Bars Media, we believe that history is best navigated through peaceful dialogue and art, not through the courts. This acquittal is an encouraging step for filmmakers and truth-tellers everywhere. We remain committed to creating spaces for informed reflection on the most painful chapters of our shared history.

14/03/2026

We are deeply concerned by the recent legal charges against filmmaker Rojhilat Aksoy for organizing a screening of our film "Aurora’s Sunrise" in Diyarbakır, Turkiye. Rojhilat, who is in no way affiliated with the production of our film, is facing groundless prosecution under Article 301 of the Turkish Penal Code for "publicly insulting the Turkish nation and state institutions".

Aurora’s Sunrise is a factual film based on Armenian Genocide survivor Arshaluys “Aurora” Mardiganian’s actual testimony. It blends animation with rare 1919 archival footage from the silent movie Auction of Souls alongside interviews with the late Aurora herself.

This film was created to foster dialogue and highlight resilience and compassion that exist in the darkest times—while portraying documented crimes, the film also shows ordinary acts of kindness from Turks and Kurds that saved Aurora’s life.

Art and history should be met with critical engagement, not with the threat of prison. We stand in solidarity with Rojhilat as she faces her next hearing on April 6, 2026. We call on the international film community and human rights organizations to join us in supporting her and the right to tell stories of our shared history.



Links in comments.

29/10/2025

24/10/2025

Follow Outliving Shakespeare via our official social media!

26/06/2025

Feeling grateful and inspired!

Our documentary project In Front of Us has been awarded the Current Affairs & Investigation Pitch sponsored by , along with two Special Prizes:

🏆 The Roch Bozino Engagement Award
🏆 The IDF Award

It was an honor to be in competition with such incredible projects!

Endless thanks to the team, the generous jury, and our amazing co-producers and 3B Productions. And to everyone who’s supported this journey — this wouldn’t be possible without you!

This is just the beginning — let’s keep telling the stories that matter 🎬🇦🇲

07/05/2025

🎉 We’re thrilled to share that In Front of Us has been selected for the Current Affairs & Investigation pitch session at of the Doc in La Rochelle this June! 🇫🇷✨

Huge thanks to the selection committee — we can’t wait to join this incredible event from June 23–26, 2025.

11/04/2025

«The film’s coherence is a reflection of both the skill of the filmmaker, and the heroic efforts of Aurora herself to ensure that her view of history would not be forgotten» - NYT

Aurora’s Sunrise is now streaming on Amazon Prime Video & Vimeo OTT. To watch check the link in comments.

10/04/2025

09/04/2025

08/04/2025

Watch this film, support our next documentary about Artsakh!

Did you know that Aurora's Sunrise is now on Amazon Prime (US only) and Vimeo OTT (worldwide)!

As we approach the 110th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, you can help us bring traffic to the film by watching it from the comfort of your home for the month of April📌🇦🇲

If you have already seen the film, please spread the links in order to reach the broader audiences who may not know about Aurora’s story📽️

The film’s exposure on streaming platforms is crucial for our next project, "In Front of Us", that documents the current fight for justice and the Armenian cause.

Watch Aurora's Sunrise via link in comments👉🏼

08/04/2025

Did you know that Aurora's Sunrise is now on Amazon Prime (US) and Vimeo (Europe)!
As we approach the 110th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, you can help us bring traffic to the film by watching it from the comfort of your home for the month of April📌🇦🇲
If you have already seen the film, please spread the links in order to reach the broader audiences who may not know about Aurora’s story📽️
The film’s exposure on streaming platforms is crucial for our next project, "In Front of Us", that documents the current fight for justice and the Armenian cause.
Watch Aurora's Sunrise via link in comments👉🏼

Did you know that Aurora's Sunrise is now on Amazon Prime (US only) and Vimeo OTT (worldwide)!

As we approach the 110th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, you can help us bring traffic to the film by watching it from the comfort of your home for the month of April📌🇦🇲

If you have already seen the film, please spread the links in order to reach the broader audiences who may not know about Aurora’s story📽️

The film’s exposure on streaming platforms is crucial for our next project, "In Front of Us", that documents the current fight for justice and the Armenian cause.

Watch Aurora's Sunrise via link in comments👉🏼