Online Screening of a documentary by Paul Rigg
It all began with a dusty reel in the attic. In late 2023, Paul Rigg stepped into the attic of his family home in Reigate, Surrey, and stumbled upon an old 8mm cine film. What he discovered was a forgotten treasure: footage of his parents’ 1956 wedding in Rangoon, Burma. That moment sparked a remarkable journey—one of research, rediscovery, and filmmaking—to honour and preserve his mother’s extraordinary life.
This October, join the Armenian Institute on YouTube for an opportunity to view Siranoosh: An Armenian Journey, Paul Rigg’s new film chronicling his mother’s epic life story.
Born into a family with a story of migration from Persia to Burma, Siranoosh “Carmen” lived through the chaos of the Japanese invasion in 1942, sought refuge in India, and spent her childhood in a Rangoon palace. Later, she built a new life in England—raising a family and, in the 1970s, emerging as a dedicated activist at Chiswick Women’s Aid, the world’s first shelter for women fleeing domestic violence. Set against a century of global upheaval, Siranoosh: An Armenian Journey is a tribute to resilience, migration, and the quiet power of those who bridge worlds.
To watch the film, register for free on Eventbrite by pressing the button below, to get the private YouTube code. Available for a limited time only, from 1-31 October 2025.
This screening is part of Heritage of Displacement: Oral Histories from the UK Armenian Communities (2023–2026), funded by a National Lottery Heritage Fund grant, thanks to National Lottery players.
To learn more about the film, please visit its website.
About the film crew
Paul Rigg
For five years from the age of 15, Paul Rigg worked as a volunteer at Chiswick Women’s Aid, the world’s first refuge for women suffering domestic violence. Following completion of his MSc in Political Sociology from the London School of Economics, his community work experience defined the first part of his career as a professional social worker. Taking up the post of Director of Operations at St Basil’s housing association, he then spent three years managing 15 accommodation and support services for young people across the city of Birmingham.
In 1999, Paul relocated to Madrid, Spain, where he spent several years lecturing for The Open University and working as a freelance journalist. In 2022, having co-written and released two albums, he began creating his own music videos for YouTube, Planet Guitar and Gear News’ online magazines. Following the discovery of a 1950s 8mm film of his parents’ wedding in Rangoon, Burma, he began the research that would lead to his first full-length film, Siranoosh: an Armenian journey.
José Andrés Jiménez
Video editor.
Born in Venezuela, José moved to Madrid and began working professionally as a full-time video editor for YouTube channels in 2020.
Phil Rigg
Editorial Director, MRM London
An award-winning agency writer based in the UK, Phil has over 25 years’ experience shaping flagship content and messaging strategies for leading global brands across dozens of industries.
Justin Byrne
Professor, ESCP Business School.
Justin moved to Madrid in 1987 to undertake historical research. A specialist in cross-cultural skills and communication, for the last four years, he has organised an Intercultural FilmFest among his undergraduate management students.
