The film “Mayrig” was screened at Fresno State by the Armenian Studies Program on Thursday, April 23. “Mayrig” is a semi-autobiographical work, written and directed by French-Armenian filmmaker Henri Verneuil. Dr. David Zakarian translated the original French into English subtitles, in order to make the watching the film more enjoyable and valuable for a non-French speaking audience.
The film highlights the struggle of a refugee family, the Zakarians, and their son Azad, who managed to flee during the Armenian Genocide, and who try to adapt to a new life.
The film begins with the assassination of Talaat Pasha by Soghomon Tehlerian and the trial thereafter, where witnesses gave their testimony of what happened, the character of the defendant, and the Genocide in which had led to this act. Christina, a survivor in the film, detailed the horrors of what she had witnessed during the Genocide. The jury and everyone in the courtroom was in utter shock and disbelief from the horrors they heard.
The background to the Genocide is arguably one of the most important parts of this film as it provides context for how the family ended up in a small town in France. The memories and recollection of the family’s dear friend Apkar, who experienced more than physical pain in his march through the desert, was brutal. He recounted the horrors he had witnessed, those that Azad’s family managed to escape, and how the mere sip of water would cost them their lives, turning the once blue water to a dark red.
The Genocide became a turning point for many Armenians who survived, as it was because of their displacement that they were forced to start life all over again with nothing but their faith and dedication.
The difficulties that the family faced are represented through the hidden gold, sewn in and disguised as a button on the mother’s dress. Throughout the film, Azad refers to his mother and his two aunts as “my three mothers” to showcase the level of care they all share toward Azad. Each of them dedicated their lives to ensuring Azad’s future.
The Zakarian family was determined to succeed, because they knew they had something important to work for. They knew how important it was to set Azad up for success, a feeling which any Armenian parent who gives up everything for a child, can relate to.
“Mayrig” is not only a film about the Genocide, but one that highlights the constant sacrifices Armenians made for their families. It explores the complexities of post-Genocide life, displaying the lengths Armenians would go to, to give their families a decent life. This repeated pattern is just as much evident in the film as it is in the hearts and souls of Armenians everywhere.