The power of the beat, the rhythm, the melody - can people overcome tragedies through music?  Can music allow us to move on from the stigma of a tragic past and embrace the joy of today? Armenian Americans’ ethnic history is a tale of genocide, struggle, survival and ultimately renewal.  “We Thrive” acknowledges that part of who we are and how we deal with tragedy can be shaped by our ethnicity but also by our creative spirit.  

                The focus of this film is on musicians of Armenian American ethnicity of all walks of life and artistic approach. The filmmakers ask the questions: “How does your ethnic heritage define how you express your art?”, “What have you personally done to overcome the stigma of depression that perhaps our ancestors felt, and move forward?”, “Does music uplift you and your audience?”.

                The feature length documentary “We Thrive” is co-directed and produced by Lisa Hagopian and Eric Harabadian. We tell the story through various interviews, candid street encounters, historical footage and live performances.  The producers are Armenian Americans who have grown up experiencing the stories of their grandparents regarding the Armenian Genocide. Many ethnic cultures have been oppressed and have experienced various hardships and discrimination. As Armenian Americans we feel there is more to our heritage than just that. In “We Thrive” we explore the question of whether or not we can go beyond the struggles and tragedies of our lives, and the often tragic history of our ancestors, to THRIVE via music and artistic pursuits.