 "Armenia, a Country under Blockade," a powerful documentary film on the impact of Turkey s blockade of Armenia was featured at the recently concluded Myrtle Beach International Film Festival, and has been chosen as an official selection for the upcoming "Golden Apricots," Yerevan s International film festival, which will take place between July 12 and 17th, reported the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA). Narrated by System of a Down lead vocalist Serj Tankian and directed by Diran Noubar, the 52-minute documentary film describes, in compelling images and through first-hand accounts, the human impact of Turkey s decade-long, illegal blockade of Armenia. It has been met with critical acclaim, including a standing ovation at the Cannes Festival s film market held earlier this year. Academy Award nominee Atom Egoyan (1997-The Sweet Hereafter) has called "Armenia, a Country under Blockade" a "very worthy and important document." The timing of the film s release, on the eve of the European Union s membership negotiations with Turkey, sparked a sharp reaction from Ankara, and interest on the part of Europeans troubled by the prospect of accepting a member state that so flagrantly violates international law. The film was shot entirely in Armenia. "Diran Noubar s powerful work is bringing the story of Armenia - and the brutal impact of Turkey s illegal blockade - to the attention of vast new international audiences," said Aram Hamparian, Executive Director of the ANCA. "We encourage Armenian Americans to watch this documentary - and just as importantly - to share it with their local elected officials, to arrange screenings for civic groups, and to encourage its broadcast by local television stations."