On Friday, August 2, the Justice Forum at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, came alive with the spirit of environmental stewardship as it hosted the premiere of “The Road to Green,” a compelling documentary by the renowned Yerevan-based director, Artak A. Avetyan. The film, which drew a full house, sheds light on the transformative work of Armenia Tree Project’s (ATP) Community Tree Planting program, highlighting the profound impact of this initiative on Armenia’s landscapes and communities.
Artak A. Avetyan, who previously directed “Antar,” a film about ATP’s reforestation efforts, brings to life the stories of ATP’s mission to green Armenia. Avetyan takes viewers on a journey through some of the 1,600 sites where ATP’s work has brought new life to the land. From the heartwarming success of the Backyard Nursery micro-enterprise program to the inspiring story of a “green wall” planted near a cemetery in a border village—providing safety and comfort to residents—the documentary is a testament to the resilience and hope that ATP cultivates through every tree they plant.
The Kennedy Center event was not just a film premiere; it was a celebration of international collaboration and shared values. The event was the result of a partnership between ATP and Casey Trees, a Washington DC-based organization that mirrors ATP’s commitment to urban planting and community education. The Kennedy Center’s Social Impact team, inspired by the synergy between these two organizations, brought them together for a summer evening dedicated to forests.
The evening began at 6 pm at the Kennedy Center’s Starlight Pavilion, where attendees were greeted with a vibrant display of Armenian culture. The atmosphere was filled with traditional Armenian music, line dancing led by the Armenian Assembly’s summer interns, and the joy of community as people gathered to craft, share stories, and make wishes at the traditional Armenian wishing tree. ATP’s beloved mascot, Tchalo, made appearances, adding to the festive spirit. Both ATP and Casey Trees set up educational tables, offering insights into their urban planting programs and the broader impact of their work.
At 8 pm, the main event commenced. Following opening remarks by Alex Kew, Casey Trees’ Communication and Events Manager and longtime supporter and former volunteer of ATP, and Jeanmarie Papelian, ATP’s Executive Director, the documentary was shown. The audience’s enthusiasm was palpable, as they were moved by the powerful stories and visuals that portrayed the life-changing work of ATP.
The evening didn’t end with the film. After the documentary, the audience was treated to a screening of “The Lorax,” a beloved tale by Dr. Seuss that underscores the importance of caring for our environment. This added a playful yet poignant note to the evening, reinforcing the message that every action we take to protect our environment is vital.
As we continue our journey to green Armenia, we invite you to be a part of this transformative work. Your donations to Armenia Tree Project are crucial in helping us plant more trees, restore ecosystems, and support communities in need. Every tree we plant is a step toward a more sustainable future for Armenia and the world.
Inspired by our mission? If you’d like to host a screening of “The Road to Green” in your community or would like the ATP team to visit and share more about our work, please contact us at info@armeniatree.org. Together, we can continue to spread the message of environmental conservation and make a lasting impact.
