Uncovering Roots

In June 1970, Talal al-Dimassi took the stand in a courtroom in authoritarian Paraguay. Far away from home, he was being tried for opening fire in the Israeli embassy in Asunción. His trial would last two years, his sentence longer but still, Israel wasn't finished with him yet. This episode follows what happened inside that courtroom, and what it cost. This episode was co-produced by Maxim Saakyan, Nadeen Shaker and Nada El-Kouny. Story editing by Maxim Saakyan and Nadeen Shaker. Sound Desig...

In 2005, researcher Hadeel Assali flew to Jordon to meet her great uncle. He told her a story she couldn't quite believe: that decades earlier, Israeli agents had tricked him into boarding a plane from Palestine and abandoned him in Paraguay, a country he'd never heard of. She spent the next thirteen years trying to prove it. In the first episode of Palestinians in Paraguay, we follow Hadeel's search for the truth, and the Israeli government document that uncovered it. This episode was co-pro...

Linum e, chi linum. There Was There Was Not. This is how Armenians begin their myths and stories, the same saying as "Once Upon a Time." Filmmaker Emily Mkrtichian spent several years in Artsakh documenting four women building their lives and fighting for their place in society. In this episode we follow two of them in Artsakh. Sose, a judo champion dreaming of the Olympics. Siranush, a politician determined to prove women could lead differently. Then September 27, 2020 arri...

In 1974, three revolutionary elements came together in Beirut: a city at the centre of political and cultural change, a filmmaker who challenged ideas of queerness and power, and a cultural space called Dar el Fan. By 1975, all three were gone. This episode of Uncovering Roots follows not just a moment in history, but a personal search for meaning. For Filmmaker Raed Rafei, uncovering Pasolini’s visit to Beirut became a way to explore memory, loss, and the traces of a city that no longer exis...

Happy New Year from Uncovering Roots! We’re so excited to share that our first full season is launching soon. It’s been a bit of a journey getting here, and we truly appreciate your patience. This season, we’ll dive into more incredible stories from the SWANA (South West Asia and North Africa) region—stories we can’t wait to explore with you. Thanks for all the sort, and we promise it’ll be worth the wait. Music by: Olivia Melkonian Make sure to follow us on Instagram @Uncoveri...

After a harrowing two years under Ottoman occupation, Aurora Mardiganian finally manages to escape to America. But her story doesn’t stop there… Aurora is suddenly thrown into Hollywood, where she becomes the lead actress of the film based on her own life. This episode was produced and sound designed by Maxim Saakyan. Editorial support from Al Shaibani and sound design support from George Patterson. Thank you to the Armenian Film Foundation for letting us use Aurora Mardiganian’s testimony. &...

Welcome to Uncovering Roots! My name is Maxim Saakyan, and I’m really excited to kick off this storytelling journey with you. Uncovering Roots is a new storytelling podcast that aims to tell stories that are often overlooked. Our goal is to spotlight stories that need attention, with a primary focus on the South West Asia and North Africa region and indigenous people across the globe. There’s no limit to the topics we’ll cover. Whether it’s people, music, film or even flags. Watch o...