The Artist Behind the Camera
His name is Hrayr (Peter) Toukhanian, and he’s the producer, director, and editor of Muse Pictures, Inc., producers of film, digital video, HD video, and DVD’s. To locals he is the man behind the camera taping any number of events taking place in the Armenian community.
You may know Toukhanian as the person responsible for the making of “Assignment Berlin,” an historical courtroom drama taking place in Berlin in 1921, when Soghomon Tehlirian, part of “Operation Nemesis,” located the whereabouts of Talat Pasha, one of the architects of the Armenian Genocide, and gunned him down in the streets of Berlin in retaliation. Tehlirian was tried by an all-German jury and declared “not guilty.” Toukhanian’s late wife Sona was the film’s script-writer.
Assignment Berlin was 1 of 20 films showcased at the Florence Film Festival. In 1982, then-Michigan Governor William Milliken issued an Executive Declaration recognizing Toukhanian for the film and in honor of his status as Goodwill Emissary of the Michigan Film and Television Services Council.
“We were lucky to have the full cooperation from the Office of Michigan State Film Commission and the City of Detroit,” Toukhanian says. “All the production steps were accomplished right here in the City of Detroit, including replicating the City of Berlin.”
The Beirut-born filmmaker got the cinema bug by observing his photographer father in the studio; as a teenager he always dreamed of someday making movies. He graduated from the College Armenian N. Palandjian and later attended Syracuse University. He has been in Detroit since 1960, labeling his hometown as “probably the most friendly and warm.”
He got an early start photographing the famous in the Middle East. He is seen with the early president of Lebanon, Camille Chamoun, discussing the president’s new Bell and Howell camera. He is being congratulated by Prime Ministerr Sami Solh for his documentary on Lebanon. Another photo shows Toukhanian at the first meeting of King Saud of Saudi Arabia and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan’s King Hussein. He has traveled the world extensively, camera in hand.
The American Cinematographer called him a “highly original filmmaker.” Vue Magazine called him “maestro.” Detroiters call him indispensible.
A proud Vanetsi, Toukhanian has served as the compatriotic association’s national president and currently serves on its executive board as corresponding secretary.
He has over 1,000 productions to his credit and 34 awards, including the highly coveted Gold Medal award of New York International Film Festival for his “Heart of a Nation” documentary.
His Muse Pictures produces industrial training, promotional, marketing, advertising, PR, educational, and documentary films.
Toukhanian has been a member of the Adcraft Club of Detroit—a marketing and advertising club, the oldest in the nation—for over 30 years and is currently their official videographer.
He expresses a great deal of respect for his Beirut teachers Levon Shant, the first principal of the Jemaran; Moushegh Ishkhan, the great writer; Simon Vratzian; and his English teacher Antoine Keheyan.
For more information about Toukhanian, visit www.vasbouragan.com. He is the webmaster. Or e-mail him at hrayr@musepictures.com. It will be well worth your time. “In the diaspora, we Armenians have to work very hard to keep our nationality and culture,” he told me. “The only way an Armenian can remain as such is in his own country, Armenia.”
Betty Apigian-Kessel
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Assignment Berlin is the most important film ever made about the role of Armenian fedayees in seeking, not just revenge, but also justice for the victims of the Armenian Genocide. The trial of Soghomon Tehlirian captured the attention of the world. How could a man who had killed in broad daylight be found not guilty by a jury of his peers? This trial was studied in law departments and universities around the world, and is still cited in research papers.
Hray’s first-rate work is the only feature length film on the subject. It is a taut work that will keep you on the edge of your seat even though you know the trial outcome. The courage of our fedayees.is brought to life with great sensitivity and superbly believable acting. Some of the sets are absolutely amazing in their attention to the accuracy of even the smallest details. They transport you back in time to the setting of the actual event. The suspense of the action sweeps you along right to the victorious conclusion. When the jury comes in, you want to stand up and applaud. This film should again be widely shown publicly, so that those who did not see it the first time have the opportunity to view it now. Assignment Berlin is the quintessential work on a trial that furthers better international understanding of the Armenian Genocide.
note to editor
I have somehow left an ending “r ” out of Hrayr’s name. Will you please add it in for me? Many thanks. Perouz
DEAR HRAYR,
I AM, WE ALL ARE VERY PROUD OF YOU, WE LOVE YOU , MY BUDDY SINCE HIGH SCHOOL DAYS.
LOVE YOUR FANTASTIC PORTRAIT!
CHRISTOPHER
An impressive set of accomplishments, and a great credit to the Armenian people as a chronicler of their heritage.
Be encouraged on your continued life’s work and journey.