FILMMAKER
ASSYRIANS IN MOTION
INTRODUCTION / FILM / SECTIONS / CITIZEN HISTORIANS / FILMMAKER / STORY OF THE FILM
FILMMAKER JOHN BABA
Chicago Assyrian John (Aghajan) Baba, originally of Seir, Persia, was a photographer, publisher, and editor.
In 1937, in an effort to raise money for his publication, Kitavona*, he traveled to Assyrian communities in America filming Assyrian American picnics, churches, cemeteries, family gatherings, and businesses.
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This film, all 200 feet, stretching from Chicago to the East Coast and back, is the treasure that forms the center of this exhibit, Assyrians in Motion.
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1937 ANNOUNCEMENT
In the August, 1937 issue of Kitavona, the following announcement appeared:
From: Kitavona, August, Number 60, 1937, Joseph Hermiz, translation.
* The spelling of Kitavona, as opposed to Ktavona, is John Baba's own spelling and has been preserved here for historical accuracy.
HUB OF THE COMMUNITY
His photography studio and Assyrian Press were housed in the basement of 58 West Huron Street, right next door to the Carter Memorial Church. Upstairs from Baba’s studio was the Church’s Sunday School classroom. Located in the hub of the community, he was a well-known figure in the neighborhood.
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Assyrians in Motion interviewee, Wilbur Elias, remembered John Baba filming in 1937 and also recalled watching showings of the films in Baba's 58 Huron Street basement space, which he described as a "gathering place."
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Baba was also a baseball enthusiast--his Assyrian Press sponsored an Assyrian baseball team, which accounts for the extensive footage of his team's playing in the Chicago Reel.
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KITAVONA
Baba was the founding editor and publisher of a monthly Assyrian magazine, Kitavona ("little booklet") which ran from June, 1932 to at least August, 1937, selling at $1.00 for 12 consecutive issues. The English title the "Assyrian Monthly" was added, later changed to the Assyrian Chronicle.
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The following excerpt of a poem by Julia DeKelaita, published in the April, 1934 issue, expresses the appreciation for Kitavona and its editor:
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"It’s a little hard for a girl like myself.
To write the few words that should ever be said:
But I want to thank you, little brother.
For proving we Assyrians are not quite dead.
I am sure you will flourish, “Ktavona”
And I hope your success will be great.
Having such a “swell” editor as John Baba
We will forgive you for coming as late."
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Kitavona: The Assyrian Monthly: April 1934, issue 22, volume 3
