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".
12 Reviews
Music that touches the heart and soul
karenldonald30 April 2024
This documentary is full of reminders of life's moments that change a generation in so many ways.
When watching it, I felt each persons story of how to move forward and use music in more ways than entertainment. All of the interviews are so full of things to consider in our lives. Creativity from what seemed to be things that hender us, is a great example of being able to take the pain and turn it into power for our lives. One that stood out personally for me was the young man that stuttered and turned the problem around to create beats. I worked through that with one of my children. What I used was singing, reading and music. It took less that 45 days to see the postive results.
The openness of genocide is something that was eye opening. I look at that tragedy differently since this was shown to me by the creators of this documentary. This opened my eyes and touced my heart in so many ways. Knowing that more than less have had this happen in their generations of life. We should all take time to understand what is happening around us and what has happened in the past. It's now easy to find answers with different tools available.
As a Spiritual transformation counselor and coach, I know that music is used for therapy. It can be used to mediate, heal mental and emotional traumas. Music is also a part of happiness and joy. Being able to dance, sing along and clap your hands frees us. Some of these examples are shown in this film.
The creative talents of the production team, in my opinion, have opened doors for more success for the future.
Congratulations to the production team, all of the contributors and talents. Thank you for this beautiful opportunity to see life through your words and music. Eric Harabadian and Lisa Hagopian, thank you for this project.
I suggest that anyone who wants to see a movie that is full of energy, with great interviews and music should watch "We Thrive". You won't be disappointed.
When watching it, I felt each persons story of how to move forward and use music in more ways than entertainment. All of the interviews are so full of things to consider in our lives. Creativity from what seemed to be things that hender us, is a great example of being able to take the pain and turn it into power for our lives. One that stood out personally for me was the young man that stuttered and turned the problem around to create beats. I worked through that with one of my children. What I used was singing, reading and music. It took less that 45 days to see the postive results.
The openness of genocide is something that was eye opening. I look at that tragedy differently since this was shown to me by the creators of this documentary. This opened my eyes and touced my heart in so many ways. Knowing that more than less have had this happen in their generations of life. We should all take time to understand what is happening around us and what has happened in the past. It's now easy to find answers with different tools available.
As a Spiritual transformation counselor and coach, I know that music is used for therapy. It can be used to mediate, heal mental and emotional traumas. Music is also a part of happiness and joy. Being able to dance, sing along and clap your hands frees us. Some of these examples are shown in this film.
The creative talents of the production team, in my opinion, have opened doors for more success for the future.
Congratulations to the production team, all of the contributors and talents. Thank you for this beautiful opportunity to see life through your words and music. Eric Harabadian and Lisa Hagopian, thank you for this project.
I suggest that anyone who wants to see a movie that is full of energy, with great interviews and music should watch "We Thrive". You won't be disappointed.
Music Heals
homestead-8422314 February 2024
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.
A Film Generations in the Making
zman-1973423 February 2024
As a descendant of Armenian Genocide survivors, I grew up listening to the horror stories of my ancestors and often thought, "what's next for Armenians?" Lisa and Eric answered that question brilliantly in this film, capturing the essence of the Armenian resilience through music. While acknowledging the mournful melodies of generations past, "We Thrive" takes viewers on a lively and informative ride through various modern beats and explains the heartfelt motivation of the artists who make them. This story, while featuring Armenians of Metro Detroit, is a must-see for my brothers and sisters around the world - even those who are close to us in ethnicity such as Greeks and Lebanese. There's something in this documentary for everyone - the most important of which is the message that the Armenians have and continue to survive and, indeed, thrive.
A Film the World Has Needed for So Long!
tjdmuchowski26 February 2024
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.
Music that deserves to be loved
ambatikdesign15 February 2024
So grateful to have a record of this resilient musical tradition, growing in spite of the tragedies. All the musicians are terrific but the dance music is particularly important to me. I have been troubled that there is no record of the terrific dance events, with incredibly talented musicians, that take place in the Detroit area--especially the Keghi event at St. John's--so thank you! The interviews fill in the history and connect past and present. How wonderful! Thank you for making us proud, and sharing this heritage with the world. I am hoping your work will get the recognition it deserves.
A Must See!
jeannewaller17 February 2024
""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.
Mix of music and education
vigj-7964119 February 2024
This documentary has an incredible mix of music and education. There is music across many genres in this film showing the many talents of our communities. The interviews show how we can grow beyond our sorrowful history and demonstrates the resilience of our ancestors. All the musicians are wonderful and talented but the music from the dance events is particularly good and unique to the dance community of Detroit. So glad you were able to get their performance in your film. Thank you for making this film, and thank you for sharing our history, I hope this film gets the recognition it deserves.
Heart & Soul
alivevaughn17 February 2024
What a great film that takes you into the hearts & souls of musicians from different generations and musical genres. If you were/are active in the Armenian community you will really identify, if your not you will learn and come to understand how out of the ashes of almost total the total inhalation of a Christian nation in 1915 by the Ottoman Turks, the Armenians rebuilt their lives churches, community and culture to once again THRIVE and contribute to so many of the worlds inventions, world music, advances in science, medicine, theatre and the arts and so much more, that make us all proud as Armenians. It's this drive, this genomic seed that has blossomed out of yet another contribution by way of this film by Lisa & Eric. We thank you both for your vision time and talents in placing this film in front of the eyes of the world!
For Music Fans Who Want to Expand Their Reach
manwrites19 February 2024
I had no idea what to expect of this documentary, but I had seen an earlier music doc (about an obscure blues music neighborhood in Detroit) by this creative filmmaking team, so I decided to give it a shot. I was not disappointed. Knowing next to nothing about Armenian music or the people who make it (except for, say, Serj Takian and his hard rock band System of a Down), I was impressed with the tender loving care that went into this documentary, which presents a whole spectrum of Armenian musicians, young and old, who show their stuff with a creative energy fueled by their country's history and heritage, using the music to power their people's perserverance through the decades. There's plenty for the heart, mind and, especially, the ears in this movie. A true labor of love. Well worth a look!
A provocative and heart-warming film
dpgrajek15 March 2024
I remember being taken aback when I first heard of the Armenian genocide in 1915-16. I naively thought systemic mass murder was unique to the Nazi regime during World War II. The documentary We Thrive-about Armenian survivors and their families mainly in the Detroit area-doesn't flinch from recounting the atrocities they experienced under the Ottomans. However, the provocative film is more about the survivors coming to terms with their agonizing plight and trauma. In their own words, they share how they learned to overcome fear, hatred, and despair; to not only survive but thrive. What better way to demonstrate this than the creative works of Armenian American musicians? Music is a language more profound than words. Accessible to all, it unifies. But, most of all, it heals, the filmmakers suggest. The stories and insights shared by a wide variety of interviewees delight and inspire the viewer. A tale of a particular people, the Armenians, becomes a universal message for all people. I especially enjoyed the cross-generational aspect, the styles of music represented from traditional folk to punk rock, and its celebratory respect for human dignity.
A very well done documentary on the healing nature of music
reag107 May 2024
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.
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