New Film "Vazgen: The Last General" Pays Tribute to Armenia’s National Hero

A new film, Vazgen: The Last General, brings to life the inspiring journey of Vazgen Sargsyan, the first Minister of Defense and former Prime Minister of Armenia. The movie explores his personal, military, and statesmanlike qualities, offering audiences an intimate look into the life of one of Armenia’s most respected leaders.

The Armenian Report attended the press conference for the film’s release, where the cast and executive director shared insights into the production and the challenges of portraying such a monumental figure. The movie covers nearly all aspects of Vazgen Sargsyan’s life, including his childhood, military service, and leadership, stopping short of delving into certain political issues. One of the most significant moments in the film is its depiction of the tragic events of October 27, 1999, when Sargsyan and several other Armenian officials were assassinated inside the Parliament.

The concept for Vazgen: The Last General was developed by Nono Sargsyan, the daughter of Vazgen Sargsyan’s brother. She not only served as the film’s main producer but also played a key role in shaping the story’s direction. Speaking at the press conference, she explained the significance of the film’s title.

“There is no hidden meaning in the title,” Nono Sargsyan said. “He was the general at the end of the 20th century. He passed away two months before the new century began, never seeing the future he had dreamed of for Armenia. There was so much hope and light in him.”

Regarding the decision to minimize political themes in the movie, Nono Sargsyan emphasized that she did not want to interpret political events from her own perspective. Instead, the film focuses on the military and personal life of Vazgen Sargsyan, aspects that were well known to his family and close friends.

Acclaimed Armenian actor Khoren Levonyan takes on the challenging role of Vazgen Sargsyan. Levonyan, an Honored Artist of the Republic of Armenia, described the immense responsibility of portraying such a historical figure. He spoke about the emotional toll it took on him as he studied the life and personality of Sargsyan.

“I did everything I could—maybe even more,” Levonyan said. “The more I studied his life, the more I realized the weight of his experiences. It changed my perspective on people and events. I felt great emotional pain and had to work through it in order to bring this character to life.”

Levonyan also emphasized Sargsyan’s exceptional command of the Armenian language. “I have never seen a politician whose spoken Armenian was as clear and powerful as his,” he noted. “It was a challenge to convey that eloquence on screen.”

The film’s cast includes Marjan Avetisyan as Vazgen Sargsyan’s mother and Robert Hakobyan as his father. The role of young Vazgen is played by Artush Baghdasaryan. Avetisyan, a well-known Armenian actress, shared her deep emotional connection to the role.

“It is incredibly difficult to portray someone from a period you lived through,” Avetisyan said. “I hope I was able to reflect the love and strength of Vazgen Sargsyan’s mother. After filming, I found it hard to separate myself from the character—it stayed with me longer than I expected.”

Beyond the battlefields and government meetings, Vazgen: The Last General aims to show the personal side of Vazgen Sargsyan—the devoted son, the caring uncle, the loyal friend, and the dedicated soldier. Levonyan worked extensively to portray these dimensions of Sargsyan’s personality.

“If I may say so, I found a lot of common ground between us,” Levonyan reflected. “Our families have known each other for a long time, and I have always felt a strong connection. I put all my effort into this role, not to mimic him but to capture his essence from a different perspective.”

The film is expected to resonate deeply with Armenian audiences, particularly those who remember Sargsyan’s contributions and leadership. While it does not fully explore his political career, it offers a touching and powerful tribute to the man behind the title.

As Armenia continues to navigate its path forward, Vazgen: The Last General serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who shaped the nation’s history. Through this film, a new generation will have the opportunity to learn about Vazgen Sargsyan’s enduring legacy and the vision he had for Armenia’s future.