I Am Not Alone

I Am Not Alone is a 2019 political documentary directed by Garin Hovannisian. It revolves around the life of the then-journalist and present-day Prime Minister of Armenia, Nikol Pashinyan. Leveraging archival footage interwoven with intimate interviews and up-close personal access to Nikol, the film offers an inside look into the unexpected, non-violent revolution that took place in Armenia in the spring of 2018.

The documentary unveils the story behind the Velvet Revolution, a peaceful civilian protest movement that eventually overthrew the government ruling Armenia. The film begins by introducing Nikol Pashinyan, a charismatic and stubborn journalist turned politician, disappointment with the existing political system made him decide to take action against the odds. Pashinyan is portrayed in the film as a relentless reformer who struggles against a seemingly insurmountable political scenario.

The former President-turned Prime Minister Serzh Sargsyan is also a central figure in the narrative. Sargsyan is presented as an authoritarian, leading a deeply entrenched, corrupt political regime that seemed unstoppable until Pashinyan and the Armenian people decided to challenge his leadership.

Throughout the film, viewers witness this battle between the entrenched, corrupt political regime and the unarmed civilians seeking transparent governance and an end to corruption. Intriguingly, it includes actual footage from the revolution, capturing the poignant moments, growing tensions, and a spirit of resilience and unity among the Armenian people. Amidst the entire turmoil, Valeriy Osipyan, the Chief of Yerevan Police, also plays a pivotal role as a person torn between his allegiance to the powers that be and his respect for the people's democratic demands.

I Am Not Alone presents an honest yet enthralling account of the grassroots revolution, highlighting the power collective actions and persistent demands for change can effect. It captures the emotions, the stakes, and the incredible human spirit that moved an entire nation towards change. The film delves into the spirit of peaceful protests, exploring the psychological transition of the Armenian people, as they stepped out of the shadows of fear, engaging in the act of civil disobedience and taking ownership of their country’s future.

An important aspect of this documentary is how it portrays Pashinyan's transformation from a humble journalist into a national leader. His journey from being a common man with a demand for a better society to becoming the Prime Minister is a testament to his vision, leadership, resilience, and the power of people in shaping their nation’s course. The filmmaker does an excellent job of capturing this transitional journey, and Pashinyan’s connection with the people adds another layer of depth and realism to the narrative.

Conversely, Sargsyan's shift from a long-time leader to a politician faced with national resistance speaks volumes about the consequences of underestimating the power of the populous. The direction does not shy away from capturing the dichotomy of Sargsyan's regime - a juxtaposition of perceived autocratic behavior and a supposed commitment to democracy's principles.

Valeriy Osipyan’s role introduces a poignant nuance to the narrative. His struggle with the civic duties, allegiance to the state, and empathy for the people, demonstrates the internal conflicts within the very system that was being questioned.

In terms of presentation, Garin Hovannisian’s film is a perfectly paced, human-interest story that displays larger-than-life events through an intimately personal lens. The real-time and archival footages are strategically used to bring authenticity and relive the revolution's atmosphere. The film’s editing and narrative weave the individual stories into a cohesive tale of resistance and reform. It tells a story full of powerful speeches, peaceful protests, and strategic acts of civil disobedience, all captured with great storytelling finesse.

To sum it up, I Am Not Alone is much more than a tale of a Velvet Revolution that changed the political landscape of Armenia. It's a film about the indomitable spirit of people, the power of unity, resilience, belief in democratic rights, and the urge for a corruption-free society. The story of Nikol Pashinyan and the Armenian people, as they march towards a future they dared to demand, is bound to stay etched in the minds of viewers long after the final credits roll.