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Auction of Souls

Name: Auction of Souls
Director: Oscar Apfel
Released: 1919
Duration: 90 min

Representation Score

7.6/10

Good

1919

Director

Oscar Apfel

Runtime

90 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Auction of Souls stands out as a significant historical document that challenges early 20th-century cinematic norms. By focusing on a survivor's account, it moves beyond mere entertainment to document systemic injustices. The film’s strength lies in its departure from typical Western storytelling. It gives a powerful voice to a non-white protagonist during a time of intense ethnic oppression. Additionally, it places a female survivor at the forefront, disrupting traditional gender roles.

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Category Breakdown

Does Auction of Souls have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or stories that go beyond the assumption that everyone is straight.

How does Auction of Souls portray gender?

Fair

Arshaluys Mardiganian plays a central role in the film, showing the resilience and strong influence of women in wartime. Her character shifts the focus from traditional male leadership to female strength.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Auction of Souls?

Excellent

The movie centers around an Armenian protagonist, breaking the norm of Hollywood films that often overlook ethnic minorities. It highlights the struggles of a community that has been historically sidelined.

How does Auction of Souls represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The film addresses the failures of international bodies and the impact of political instability on underrepresented communities. It portrays the devastating consequences of systemic violence on cultures.

Does Auction of Souls include disability representation?

Fair

The subject of genocide includes physical and mental trauma. However, due to the film's lost status, specific details about the portrayal of disabilities are unknown.

Present on Screen

Focuses on an Armenian narrative during a time dominated by Western perspectives.
Gives a strong voice to a non-white protagonist in a historical setting.
Highlights the resilience of women in wartime.

Limited or Absent

Does not feature any LGBTQ+ characters or stories.
Details about the portrayal of disabilities are unclear due to the film's lost status.

Official Synopsis

A Hollywood biographical film about a survivor's experience of the Armenian Genocide. Arshaluys (Aurora) Mardiganian plays herself in the film which is based on her published memoirs. It is thought to be the first film about made about genocide. All known complete copies of the film have been lost. A restored and edited 24-minute segment of the historic motion picture was released in 2009 by the Armenian Genocide Resource Center of Northern California. It is based on a rare surviving reel of film edited in Soviet Armenia.

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