"Vazgen: The Last General" Premieres in Yerevan: A Tribute to a National Hero

On March 5, a special film about one of Armenia's most respected national heroes, Vazgen Sargsyan, made its debut on the big screen in Yerevan, on the day of the General and former Prime Minister’s birthday. The film, titled Vazgen: The Last General, portrays the life and legacy of this iconic figure who played a crucial role in Armenia’s history.

The film’s premiere was a major event in the capital, and The Armenian Report was invited to cover the red carpet event, providing exclusive interviews into the film’s reception and the thoughts of its prominent attendees. After the screening, we spoke with several of the event's guests, sharing their impressions of the movie, which was based on real-life events and the pivotal moments of Sargsyan's life.

The film is deeply personal for the Sargsyan family. It was brought to life by the creative vision of Nono Sargsyan, the daughter of Vazgen Sargsyan’s nephew. Nono, who serves as the executive producer and originator of the film's idea, opened up to reporters after the premiere, revealing that her late uncle would not have wanted such a film made about him. She shared that he disliked being the subject of any special attention, such as toasts or songs dedicated to him, and would have been "very angry" about the film being made in his honor.

Despite this, the film is an important portrayal of Vazgen Sargsyan's multifaceted life: from his childhood to his time as a soldier and later, a politician and defender of Armenia. He is shown not only as a national hero but as a beloved family member, a son, an uncle, and a figure who shaped the course of his country’s future.

Vazgen Sargsyan is brought to life by actor Khoren Levonyan, whose portrayal of the General is a central focus of the film. Levonyan spoke about the challenge of playing such an iconic figure, saying that his goal was not to imitate Sargsyan’s physical appearance but to capture the essence of the man. “I tried to convey the nerve, the masculinity, the mindset, the essence to the audience,” Levonyan explained. His performance was deeply felt with audiences, conveying the strength and resolve that defined Sargsyan’s character.

Vazgen: The Last General was created by Genetic Production, with a screenplay written by Levon Galstyan and Aram Karapetyan (also known as Aramis Tatu), who is also credited as the production director. The film delves into the various stages of Sargsyan’s life, showing both his public and personal sides. From his military background to his role in politics, the film paints a complex portrait of a man whose dedication to Armenia’s independence and security left an indelible mark on the nation's history.

The film's impact was not just felt in Yerevan; it is set to be released in the United States on April 9 at the AGBU Performing Arts Center, allowing the diaspora to engage with the story of one of Armenia’s most revered leaders.

For more insights and interviews from the premiere event, you can watch the full report on The Armenian Report YouTube channel.