Chapman’s Armenian Student Association holds documentary screening for Artsakh Awareness Month
The documentary, “Invisible Republic,” gives a new perspective on the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war. Photo by ALEXANDRA DER BOGHOSIAN, News Staff Writer
Chapman’s Armenian Student Association teamed up with the University of California, Irvine (UCI) Armenian Student Association to organize a documentary screening for the “Invisible Republic,” on Dec. 1.
The documentary was inspired by Artsakh native, writer and photographer Lika Zakaryan and the diary she published, titled “44-Days: Diary From An Invisible War.” She wrote her diary during the time of the 44-day war from the bunker in which she and her family were staying. Her diary gained lots of attention and was later turned into a documentary film.
In 2020, the 44-day war began in Nagorno-Karabakh, where over 100 Armenians died. Azerbaijan, and with help from Turkey, planned a military operation. A ceasefire was organized after 44 days, and partial land from Artsakh was taken under Azerbaijani rule.
During those 44 days in the bunker, her diary showcases a variety of emotions. Zakaryan wrote about how scared she felt for her brother, who was on the front lines of the war, and for her home and friends. However, through everything, she continuously mentioned how Armenians never give up and always stay spirited.
The programming chair for Chapman’s Armenian Student Association, Angie Mitilian, worked with UCI student Angela Ter Martirosyan, who works for the university’s Armenian Student Association. Both students coordinated the screening for Artsakh Awareness Month, commemorating the 44-day war in 2020.
“Working on the screening was really rewarding. This documentary wasn’t made to be viewed by Armenians, we already have heard this story a thousand times, it was made for those who don’t know the Armenian struggle and the importance of preserving our history.”
“‘Invisible Republic,’ directed by Garin Hovannisian and produced by System of the Down band member Serj Tankian, was visually the perfect way to retell (Zakaryan’s) story and the war,” Mitilian said. “I am proud to have our Armenian Student Association plan an event like this and I hope we do more like them to spread awareness.”
The documentary was filled with heartfelt scenes: Zakaryan’s family would keep their spirits up by playing backgammon or through fortune telling with Armenian coffee. Backgammon is a very popular table game in the Armenian culture and has been appreciated throughout the country,
Other scenes showcased the destruction that was left for the Armenian community, such as businesses and buildings being demolished. It also depicted historic churches being bombed and hundreds of people being injured.
“‘Invisible Republic’ was a dark reminder of how much we have lost as a nation. That is why more than ever it is important to screen these films, tell these stories and keep the memory and culture of Artsakh alive. As Armenian students, we must be united in this mission.”
Mitilian and Ter Martirosyan were in contact with Zakaryan and asked a few questions regarding her experience filming the documentary. Zakaryan’s diary can be purchased through her website, where her documentary can also be viewed.
“I am so proud for the story and the documentary to be shown and spread,” Zakaryan said.
