We Thrive

""We Thrive" " is film of hope, music, grit and survival. The Armenian genocide is throughly explored and understood by the audience , throughly the true stories of those who lived it. Heartbreaking to the point of tears, yet hopeful in how the directors and writers were able to poignantly focus on the tragic plight of the Armenian people, while thus presenting a musical and resilient point of view though the myriad treasure trove of talented Armenian musicians and artists. To educate and entertain are true gifts in a film. "We Thrive " does it all. The film is unique in subject matter and universal in helping one to feel hope, even in the most dire of circumstances. I am still moved by its message and presentation today , so long after seeing it.

There's not a lot of representation in media about Armenians in music, let alone the Armenian community in general; "We Thrive" changes that narrative by providing a deep dive into the Armenian-American musician's community. The history of the Armenian people is littered with tragedy and darkness - this film brilliantly shows the wealth of passion, love, and strength the Armenian people have and how through music, we can all thrive and be the best versions of ourselves. This film doesn't sugar coat anything, it is full of both heartbreaking and empowering scenes that will give you a new perspective on a culture you'll truly know after you watch "We Thrive".

Another musician friend of mine turned me onto this documentary that he found on Fawesome T. V and said I would probably like it knowing that I'm a musician, and highly into watching music based documentaries. My friend was correct. The majority of it is based around the current Detroit scene and has various interviews with all kinds of artists of different genres and taste. The current overall theme is that music is a very powerful healing force that I think ultimately, we all need in the world right now. Especially right now. Eric Harabadian and his wife are excellent filmmakers and I look forward to seeing what they have in store for their next project.

Congratulations to my Dear friends Lisa & Eric! They have documented many musical journeys through their films, but this one is special. As a cast member, I was quite honored to be seen along side such talented fellow Armenians. To reattach to my Armenian roots is thrilling. I enjoyed my interview process. I enjoyed the commrodery with my fellow cast members. But what came next I had not anticipated. As the film trailers were coming out and I heard snipets of the other cast members interviews I got goosebumps! A common thread of being human rings throughout. The Armenian Genocide being a sadness difficult to overcome . . . For over 100 years . . . So many generations of sadness. As I listened to each interview so many pieces of my family puzzle fit together. I gained a greater understanding of the depth of the Armenian Genocide and it's aftermath . . . The victims. That's all of us! And how does one thrive through such sadness? Music, of course! And thus it begins . . . The joy from music is just as common of a thread in this film as the sadness. We Thrive through the melodies, the dancing, the laughing with our family & friends. Does not matter your age, your religion, your race . . . The music has healing powers. We need it to survive! Much respect to Lisa & Eric for documenting such history and putting this vision of the human condition together! Grateful.

This beautiful and emotional film is a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit! Growing up in America, it always felt like my heritage as an Armenian was so easily overlooked, misunderstood, and ignored by those outside of the Armenian community. Horror stories from the Armenian Genocide were passed down generation after generation yet, in the history books, all of that suffering was summarized in one sentence, if it was even mentioned at all. When I saw the first showing of the film, I couldn't believe how many other interviewees had so many of the same thoughts and feelings as I did! Thank you, "We Thrive", for showing the world and all future generations the stories I wish I had gotten to see growing up.