ԵՍ ԷԼ ԵՄ ՀԱՅ l 2000

Robert Sahakyants' last major political work. The animated film serves as a unique artistic reflection on the first decade of Armenia's independence. Through satire, absurdity, grotesque imagery, and Sahakyants' distinctive surrealism, the author portrays the dramatic events of the 1990s — a period during which the country faced economic crisis, energy collapse, political conflicts, and the difficult transition from the Soviet system to an independent state. The film's protagonist is a collective representation of the Armenian people. He finds himself aboard a train that symbolizes Armenia's journey after gaining independence. At first, the journey appears promising, but gradually the train encounters numerous obstacles, accidents, and absurd situations. The train itself becomes a metaphor for the state, while the events surrounding it reflect the real processes that took place in Armenia throughout the 1990s. This difficult period forms the central theme of the film. Rather than offering direct answers, the author presents events through the eyes of an ordinary person struggling to survive amid political decisions, social upheaval, and uncertainty. One of the film's most distinctive features is its abundance of hidden symbols and references to real historical events. Unlike many political cartoons, the film does not focus on individual politicians. Instead, it portrays an entire system of social relations, transforming the story of Armenia's independence into a universal parable about power, hope, and disappointment. This film stands as an artistic chronicle of an entire decade, told through the language of animation. Robert Sahakyants successfully combined humor, satire, and profound social commentary to create a work that remains relevant years later and continues to inspire discussion about Armenia's past, present, and future.