Film Review by KV Lusinian

New York, NY: A rare opportunity to navigate the raw political life of the Republic of Armenia was presented to diverse audiences in New York and New Jersey with the screening of "Armenian Activists Now 2" by LA filmmaker Robert Davidian. 

This is the second such documentary by Mr. Davidian that surveys the political landscape of Armenia after two decades of independence. A tangential film about mothers protesting the mysterious deaths of their sons inside the military is also included in Mr. Davidian's ever expanding body of work.  

The earlier companion video "Armenian Activists Now" explores the birth of citizen activism in Armenia, especially in the aftermath of the 2008 presidential elections, which resulted in violent clashes with authorities and the killing of 10 people.

The second film is an hour-long chronicle of the events leading up to and following the 2013 Armenian presidential elections. It exposes both the blatant and covert fraudulent practices that seem to be the signature of the ruling Republican regime. More compelling is the chance this film affords ordinary citizens of Armenia to tell the world, in their own words, how they feel about these compromised elections and how the pervasive state-sponsored corruption will impact the future of the republic.

As the events unfold, the public mood spontaneously morphs from vocal outrage to inspired determination of the activists to continue their "march to democracy". Given the obviously afflicted political culture and the systemic shortcomings in Armenia’s governance, this is a heavy mantle to bear. But according to the film, it is one that the new generation seems ready and willing to assume. 

In a powerful and compelling interweave of on-the-street interviews (mostly among fluent English speaking locals), historical footage, eyewitness video journalism, and expert commentary, Mr. Davidian masterfully draws the audience into the thick of the deceptive practices employed by the incumbents to ensure victory. Peeling off each layer of election fraud—from paying bribes, stuffing ballot boxes, allowing for "carousel" voting whereby voters make the rounds of multiple polling stations, tampering with voter lists, falsifying voter IDs, and outright intimidation, these elaborate and sometimes juvenile schemes are revealed in uncommon detail, often as they are happening.

Crisscrossing among street protests, political campaign rallies, polling stations, spontaneous marches and student rallies, Mr. Davidian and his video camera are on the scene, documenting events and canvassing opinions of citizens of all ages and walks of life. The lively paced visceral cinematic style allows the viewer to feel like part of the action.

The first screening took place in Manhattan on October 15th, at Alwan for the Arts, followed by a discussion with Dr. Danielle Zach, the acting director for Human Rights Studies at the City University of New York as well as Mr. Davidian.

Dr. Zach provided an historical overview of post-Soviet Armenia, pointing out that according to international norms, on a scale 1-7 with 1 being the most democratic, Armenia was rated a 5.75. This effectively characterizes the republic as a "semi-consolidated authoritarian state." Conversely, Armenia scored high in terms of active civil society, based largely on the robust use of social media to raise awareness of issues and mobilize activism. 

Three more screenings took place at St. Leon Armenian Church in Fair Lawn NJ, during its three-day annual Arts and Food Festival. Many audience members from the community admitted that, prior to viewing the film, they were unaware of the extent of the rampant corruption in the electoral process. Others commended the filmmaker for taking such a comprehensive approach to telling a story that is long overdue.

"This film leaves little doubt as to the veracity of the accounts of citizens and stakeholders affected by these unlawful tactics," remarked Tamar Hovsepian, the executive director of the newly formed Diasporan organization Justice Armenia, a U.S. based non-profit dedicated to providing education and resources to help build a fair and civil society in Armenia.  "After watching this film, it's difficult to make the same tired excuses and outworn apologies for the government. Reality is in your face and you either decide to look the other way or you stand up for justice and Rule of Law," she added. 

During the Q&A with the filmmaker, audience members wondered what the Diaspora could do about these deeply entrenched internal issues plaguing the republic over many decades. Mr. Davidian replied that awareness is the first step. He assured the audience that the Diaspora could play a meaningful role in helping Armenia’s pro-democracy movement speak truth to power.

"We need to level the political playing field so that the citizen activists striving for transparency and Rule of Law can take on the ruling elite with ample resources behind them. That takes money. But Diaspora support also sends a powerful message to Armenia’s democracy movement: we are on the same side of history as they are," Mr. Davidian stated. 

He also pointed out that the film is timely and relevant in light of the upcoming national referendum this coming December. It will be a pivotal and crucial vote that, if passed in its current form—with over 200 changes to Armenia’s constitution rather than single-issue amendments—will change the power structure of the homeland for years to come.

"This film begs the question of whether the referendum can even be a free and fair process, given the current state of affairs that I have tried to convey in this film," Mr. Davidian explained. 

Will it be a repeat of the 2013 and 2008 elections? Or will it be the turning point toward the “the excellent Armenia that we have dreamed about,” as one hopeful young activist in the film put it.

For more information about this highly relevant topic and the film, visit Mr. Davidian's Facebook Page, Stop Corruption in Armenia.