Abee Sargis

Date: February 17, 2023

Abee Sargis was born in Iraq and obtained a degree in economy and business administration from the University of Baghdad. He also earned a diploma in acting and directing. Sargis began his acting career by performing in plays written in Assyrian and Arabic at his local church and in school plays. He later became a radio and television speaker, while living in Baghdad. Sargis’s breakthrough in acting came when he participated in the Assyrian Cultural Club and starred in his first international drama, “Doctor Against His Will.” Sargis stated that his play “Betan Khata” has gained significant popularity and has been performed in various locations including Chicago, California, Canada, and Australia. In 1986, Sargis relocated to Chicago, where he continued his acting career and took part in various plays, including “Mother’s Cry.” He subsequently began directing and acting in films, and has appeared in five movies to date: “Akh Min Khimyani,” “Cousins,” “Basimtet Reesha,” “The Cross of Mary,” and “Journey of Eternity.” During a conversation I had with Sargis, he mentioned having upcoming projects in the works.

Sargis’ latest film, “Journey of Eternity,” as described on IMDb, focuses on the story of Esho, a school teacher played by Abee Sargis, and his challenging experiences. He was falsely accused of National Movements. Additionally, Esho witnessed the imprisonment of many Assyrians and the execution of three of them. Following his release, Esho embarks on a journey to honor the memory of the slain activists. During his journey, Esho encounters an advocate from the United Nations Human Rights Organization, an American journalist who supports highlighting the ongoing oppression in the Middle East.

The Assyrian Cultural Foundation extends our appreciation and honor to Abee Sargis, the film’s lead actor, for his contribution to the project. Additionally, the Foundation would like to express gratitude to all those who offered their support for Abee Sargis and acted on behalf of the Foundation.

Published by: Brian Banyamin

Written by Sarah Gawo

Bibliography

“Journey of Eternity.” IMDb, IMDb.com, https://www.imdb.com/title/tt12396978/plotsummary/?ref_=tt_ov_pl.

10 Year Radio Anniversary

Date: September 17, 2021

This summer marks the 10-year anniversary of Ninos Nirari’s radio program.  He first began the program at the request of the late Rabi Homer Ashurian, who was then serving on the board of the Assyrian Universal Alliance Foundation (now the Assyrian Cultural Foundation).  The first episode aired in early June, 2011. 

The weekly radio program was originally called Gawneh, which means “colors” in Assyrian.  Mr. Nirari decided to give it that name because it represented the diverse number of topics that the show covered.  Topics included general education, history, news, poetry, religion, sports, etc.  Additionally, Mr. Nirari would frequently interview famous Assyrians during the program, including singers, politicians, and poets.  Initially, the show ran for one hour, on Monday evenings from 7:00 to 8:00 PM.  However, due to its immense popularity, it ran for three hours by its second year, on Tuesday nights from 7:00 to 10:00 PM.  Although the program aired on a Chicago radio station, people who did not live in the Chicago area could also access it through the internet. 

One popular segment of the program was called Morayeh, which means “competitions.”  During that portion of the show, Mr. Nirari would ask a question and then invite his listeners to call in to answer it.  The first person to answer the question correctly usually received a gift card that could be used at a local Assyrian business.  Thus, the program not only connected and educated its listeners, but also helped promote and support local Assyrian businesses. 

Today, Ninos Nirari’s radio program is called Qala Mhadyana, which translates as “The Guiding Voice.”  It airs every Saturday afternoon from 3:00 to 4:30 PM Central Standard Time on 1590 AM, a Chicago radio station.  However, the program is also available on the radio station’s website, https://www.wcgoradio.com/, as well as livestreamed on the Assyrian Cultural Foundation’s Facebook page, once a month.

Although the radio program’s name has changed, its contents have not.  It continues to cover a diverse range of topics, making it a unique listening experience.  Congratulations, Ninos Nirari, on providing 10 years of wonderful content on your radio program!