AGBU and Creative Armenia raise global awareness of crisis in Artsakh with online release of new film Invisible Republic

In light of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Artsakh – with Azerbaijan’s blockade of the Lachin Corridor creating a deepening food, health, and humanitarian crisis for the 120,000 Armenians now trapped in the republic – the producers of Invisible Republic have made the film available digitally in every territory of the world. Inspired by the explosive wartime diary of Lika Zakaryan, the award-winning documentary can now be watched by virtual cinema here. 

The release is accompanied by a global awareness and education campaign spearheaded by the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) and Creative Armenia. Physical screenings for governmental groups, human rights organizations, and educational institutions are now being set in London, Paris, Madrid, Berlin, Zurich, and other cities. 

For digital viewers, online events are being organized. Watch the film now and then join the live ZOOM Q&A on Tuesday, January 24, at 11pm Artsakh time (11am LA; 2pm NYC; 8pm Paris) to meet writer Lika Zakaryan, director Garin Hovannisian, and producers Serj Tankian and Alec Mouhibian. The Q&A will be in English and will be simultaneously translated into Armenian, Russian, and French. Register here.

“This isn’t just a film about me,”said Lika Zakaryan, who has been separated from her family for 38 days as a result of the blockade. “It is the story and tragedy of my family, my friends, and my people. And sadly it isn’t over. I look forward to sharing the film with you and meeting with you to discuss the history of Artsakh, what is happening there now, and what we can do to prevent another genocide against the Armenian people.” 

"This first-hand account of the realities experienced during and after the 44 days of Azeri aggression in 2020 is a critical documentation of the true human experience. Today, Artsakh is threatened by a territorial blockade putting the lives of its citizens at risk. We urge Armenians everywhere to share Lika's account and leverage this impressive documentary to raise awareness of what is happening today. We cannot remain silent observers when our fellow Armenians need our voices.” urged AGBU Central Board member Ani Manoukian.

AGBU and Creative Armenia ask their communities to – 

• WATCH 
  • Watch Invisible Republic by virtual cinema here. The film (which is available in English, Armenian, Russian, and French) is not only a dramatic on-the-ground account of the 44-day war in Artsakh in 2020, but also a comprehensive account of its recent history and important context for the current crisis. Virtual tickets are $10 and all proceeds will be donated to Artsakh humanitarian and relief funds.
• LEARN
  • Learn about Artsakh by join our digital events to hear from Lika and the filmmakers, starting with the live ZOOM Q&A on Tuesday, January 24. (Register for the event here.) For more information on the history of Artsakh and helpful resources, or to contribute to AGBU’s Global Relief Fund for Artsakh, visit www.agbu.org/artsakh. Follow the social media accounts of Invisible Republic (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter), AGBU (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter), and Creative Armenia (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter). 
• SHARE
  • Share the film with someone who doesn’t know about the issue or who could bring influence or awareness to Artsakh. Share Lika’s story by clicking on “give as a gift” here. If you believe a physical screening of the film can help in this effort, contact us via invisiblerepublicfilm.com 

“We initially made this film to educate the non-Armenian world about Artsakh & to raise awareness about the 44-day Artsakh War of 2020,” said the film’s producer Dr. Eric Esrailian, who is also an AGBU Central Board Member and a Founding Member of Creative Armenia. “But the darkest chapter of war may be yet to come. We have decided to move up distribution plans and share Lika’s story with the world, in hopes that it will move hearts and minds to stand with the people of Artsakh at this moment of crisis.”

The entirety of the proceeds of the film’s release will be donated to Artsakh-related humanitarian and relief charities, including AGBU’s Global Relief Fund. 

For Invisible Republic & Creative Armenia inquiries: anush@creativearmenia.org

For AGBU inquiries: info@agbu.org.