1 00:00:01,401 --> 00:00:08,475 [music] 2 00:01:01,360 --> 00:01:08,668 [background chatter] 3 00:01:19,712 --> 00:01:21,548 [coughs] 4 00:01:28,354 --> 00:01:30,490 [opens door] [sighs] 5 00:01:57,316 --> 00:01:58,718 [opens door] 6 00:02:35,540 --> 00:02:37,590 Are you ready to continue, Mr. Petrosyan? 7 00:02:39,240 --> 00:02:40,393 Counselor Whitlow. 8 00:02:44,300 --> 00:02:45,531 I'll repeat the question. 9 00:02:45,832 --> 00:02:47,233 Mr. Petrosyan, 10 00:02:48,670 --> 00:02:50,803 were you or your family 11 00:02:51,504 --> 00:02:56,342 ever victims of direct acts of violence? 12 00:02:56,942 --> 00:02:57,976 [screams] 13 00:02:58,110 --> 00:02:59,345 Oh, no. 14 00:02:59,479 --> 00:03:01,314 Ohanna, help. 15 00:03:01,681 --> 00:03:02,882 [screams] 16 00:03:03,349 --> 00:03:04,651 Oh, no. 17 00:03:05,417 --> 00:03:07,820 [cries] No. 18 00:03:07,953 --> 00:03:09,322 [gunshot] [screaming] 19 00:03:09,455 --> 00:03:10,623 [gunshot] 20 00:03:18,831 --> 00:03:25,939 [music] 21 00:04:35,441 --> 00:04:37,209 Grigor, what happened? 22 00:04:37,677 --> 00:04:40,446 Someone decorated my window with a brick. 23 00:04:41,800 --> 00:04:42,181 Are you okay? 24 00:04:42,348 --> 00:04:43,650 Yes, I'm okay. 25 00:04:44,417 --> 00:04:45,718 Did you see who did it? 26 00:04:46,185 --> 00:04:47,587 Local teens. 27 00:04:49,288 --> 00:04:50,523 Did you call the police? 28 00:04:50,657 --> 00:04:52,692 Police don't care what happen to us. 29 00:04:58,397 --> 00:04:59,699 I'm sorry my friend. 30 00:05:00,266 --> 00:05:01,534 It's okay. 31 00:05:02,267 --> 00:05:03,368 No one was hurt. 32 00:05:03,502 --> 00:05:05,104 That's all that matters. 33 00:05:05,571 --> 00:05:07,106 Go home to your family. 34 00:05:07,407 --> 00:05:09,909 Tell my wife I'll be late for dinner, 35 00:05:10,242 --> 00:05:13,780 but please, don't tell her why. 36 00:05:13,478 --> 00:05:14,513 No, no, no. 37 00:05:14,881 --> 00:05:16,549 I will stay here until we finish, 38 00:05:16,682 --> 00:05:18,951 and then will walk you home. 39 00:05:19,118 --> 00:05:20,486 Okay. Thank you. 40 00:05:22,354 --> 00:05:23,990 -Thank you. -Of course. 41 00:05:26,525 --> 00:05:27,927 Okay, here. 42 00:05:32,431 --> 00:05:34,000 [bell rings] 43 00:05:34,133 --> 00:05:35,535 -Can we have dolma for dinner? -[background chatter] 44 00:05:35,668 --> 00:05:36,636 It's your sister's night to pick. 45 00:05:36,769 --> 00:05:38,270 But she likes it too. 46 00:05:38,404 --> 00:05:39,705 She can tell me herself. 47 00:05:39,839 --> 00:05:41,741 -Bye. -Oh, Principal Petrosyan, 48 00:05:41,874 --> 00:05:44,430 please, this record needs your signature. 49 00:05:44,176 --> 00:05:46,545 -Can it wait until tomorrow? -I'm afraid not. 50 00:05:47,246 --> 00:05:50,216 Come on, Mom. Let's go home. I'm hungry. 51 00:05:50,349 --> 00:05:51,651 Thank you. 52 00:05:53,753 --> 00:05:57,230 The cat [stutters]-- 53 00:05:57,156 --> 00:05:58,558 Sound this word out slowly. 54 00:05:58,691 --> 00:06:00,827 What sound does each letter make? 55 00:06:01,961 --> 00:06:03,896 Climbed. 56 00:06:04,863 --> 00:06:06,866 -Climbed? -That's right. Good. 57 00:06:07,566 --> 00:06:08,768 Mama. 58 00:06:09,168 --> 00:06:10,690 Yes. 59 00:06:10,202 --> 00:06:11,804 Hello. 60 00:06:11,938 --> 00:06:13,939 Her reading comprehension is coming along day by day. 61 00:06:14,730 --> 00:06:15,507 Oh, I'm so proud of you. 62 00:06:15,641 --> 00:06:17,877 -I'll see you tomorrow before school? -Yes. 63 00:06:18,110 --> 00:06:19,440 Good work today. 64 00:06:19,178 --> 00:06:20,279 Thank you for your help. 65 00:06:20,412 --> 00:06:21,547 Oh, it's my pleasure. 66 00:06:22,414 --> 00:06:25,517 -I know you studied, correct? -Yes, I did a lot, actually. 67 00:06:25,651 --> 00:06:27,190 -How'd you feel about that? -Good. 68 00:06:27,152 --> 00:06:28,420 -Let's go get dolma. -[crowd protesting] 69 00:06:28,553 --> 00:06:29,855 Yay. Dolma. 70 00:06:29,988 --> 00:06:31,858 -See? -Did you tell her to say that? 71 00:06:32,425 --> 00:06:33,725 Of course not. 72 00:06:34,920 --> 00:06:35,930 I miss dolma too. 73 00:06:35,227 --> 00:06:41,567 [crowd protesting] [music] 74 00:06:41,700 --> 00:06:44,570 Mom, why does their signs say that? 75 00:06:45,171 --> 00:06:46,839 What does the signs say? 76 00:06:48,207 --> 00:06:51,611 -They say-- -Julia, we're leaving now. 77 00:06:54,130 --> 00:07:01,154 [music] 78 00:07:01,687 --> 00:07:04,689 Mr. and Mrs. Sarkisian, what's with all the luggage? 79 00:07:04,823 --> 00:07:06,492 We're leaving for Moscow. 80 00:07:06,625 --> 00:07:08,260 I didn't know you had family in Moscow. 81 00:07:08,393 --> 00:07:11,630 We don't, but it's safer there for all Armenians. 82 00:07:11,764 --> 00:07:13,699 [sighs] Every few years or so, 83 00:07:13,832 --> 00:07:18,370 Azerbaijanis and Armenians have a flare-up and things come right back down. 84 00:07:18,471 --> 00:07:21,730 This time, it feels different. 85 00:07:21,774 --> 00:07:23,943 Russia will not allow anything to happen. 86 00:07:24,760 --> 00:07:25,177 Open your eyes. 87 00:07:25,444 --> 00:07:27,145 The Soviet Union is crumbling. 88 00:07:27,713 --> 00:07:32,840 Russia has no resources left to protect us. 89 00:07:32,652 --> 00:07:35,621 We can't just leave. This is our home. 90 00:07:36,355 --> 00:07:37,657 Is it? 91 00:07:41,961 --> 00:07:44,397 Who wants to help prep the grape leaves? 92 00:07:44,530 --> 00:07:46,465 -Me. -Yes, and the minced meat? 93 00:07:46,598 --> 00:07:48,133 -No, it's not me. -[chuckles] 94 00:07:48,267 --> 00:07:53,939 [plays guitar] 95 00:07:54,730 --> 00:07:57,275 Why did the people in the streets have those signs today? 96 00:07:57,542 --> 00:07:58,944 Don't you worry about that. 97 00:07:59,770 --> 00:08:00,379 What signs? 98 00:08:00,646 --> 00:08:03,582 There were people in the streets with signs that scared Mama. 99 00:08:03,716 --> 00:08:05,840 Mama wasn't scared. 100 00:08:05,618 --> 00:08:09,454 Sometimes people say and write things they don't really mean. 101 00:08:09,588 --> 00:08:11,900 It's about war, isn't it? 102 00:08:11,357 --> 00:08:12,825 -What war? -It's not a war. 103 00:08:12,958 --> 00:08:15,227 Yes, it is. They talked about it in class today. 104 00:08:15,361 --> 00:08:17,620 Julia, watch your tone. 105 00:08:17,462 --> 00:08:21,100 There is a small conflict going on in the mountains right now. 106 00:08:21,634 --> 00:08:23,268 What are they fighting about? 107 00:08:23,535 --> 00:08:25,304 A piece of land 108 00:08:25,437 --> 00:08:28,974 that both Armenians and Azerbaijanis each claim as their own, 109 00:08:29,108 --> 00:08:33,120 but this has been going on for many, many years, off and on. 110 00:08:33,145 --> 00:08:34,146 It's nothing new. 111 00:08:34,814 --> 00:08:37,382 Aren't you Armenians and Azerbaijanis? 112 00:08:37,516 --> 00:08:39,385 Yes, that's right, sweetheart. 113 00:08:39,585 --> 00:08:41,820 Then whose side are we on? 114 00:08:42,421 --> 00:08:43,889 We're on no one's side. 115 00:08:44,556 --> 00:08:49,361 We are Armenians in our blood, but Azerbaijan is our home. 116 00:08:49,661 --> 00:08:51,463 We have Armenians in our blood? 117 00:08:51,596 --> 00:08:53,833 -[laughter] -No, what Mama meant 118 00:08:53,966 --> 00:08:57,937 is that our families came from Armenia many, many years ago 119 00:08:58,700 --> 00:08:59,872 before Mama and I were born. 120 00:09:00,372 --> 00:09:01,473 Oh. 121 00:09:01,840 --> 00:09:03,442 That's enough questions for now. 122 00:09:03,575 --> 00:09:04,877 Time for baths. 123 00:09:05,844 --> 00:09:06,946 No stalling. 124 00:09:07,790 --> 00:09:08,180 Let's go. 125 00:09:09,548 --> 00:09:10,782 Okay. Good night. 126 00:09:10,916 --> 00:09:12,500 -Bye. -Good night. 127 00:09:12,184 --> 00:09:13,986 [music] 128 00:09:14,119 --> 00:09:17,690 -Are you going to tuck us in? -Of course. I'll be right there. 129 00:09:31,469 --> 00:09:34,240 Are you going to tell me what those signs said? 130 00:09:36,441 --> 00:09:37,910 "Death to Armenians." 131 00:09:40,179 --> 00:09:41,213 Really? 132 00:09:41,547 --> 00:09:42,648 I know, 133 00:09:42,982 --> 00:09:44,616 but we've seen this before. 134 00:09:44,750 --> 00:09:46,919 We can't just run and hide 135 00:09:47,520 --> 00:09:49,822 every time there's a flare-up in the mountains. 136 00:09:50,856 --> 00:09:53,920 [dog barking] 137 00:09:53,726 --> 00:09:56,610 Someone vandalized Grigor's store today. 138 00:09:56,328 --> 00:09:57,630 My goodness. 139 00:09:58,663 --> 00:09:59,966 Was he hurt? 140 00:10:00,566 --> 00:10:01,667 No. 141 00:10:01,900 --> 00:10:03,202 Fortunately. 142 00:10:06,105 --> 00:10:07,973 Russia said they would send troops 143 00:10:08,106 --> 00:10:11,677 to protect Armenian neighborhoods if tensions worsen. 144 00:10:12,100 --> 00:10:15,810 Do you really think Russia is going to come save us? 145 00:10:17,383 --> 00:10:18,684 I believe in Russia. 146 00:10:20,185 --> 00:10:24,123 I believe in the solidarity of the Soviet Union 147 00:10:24,724 --> 00:10:26,391 and I believe in the Communist Party. 148 00:10:26,525 --> 00:10:29,661 We are brothers and sisters. We do not fight amongst ourselves. 149 00:10:29,795 --> 00:10:31,664 [dogs barking] 150 00:10:39,040 --> 00:10:40,306 Except when we do. 151 00:10:42,575 --> 00:10:44,677 What do you believe in, Ivan? 152 00:10:46,745 --> 00:10:48,748 I believe in music. 153 00:10:49,581 --> 00:10:50,883 Seriously? 154 00:10:51,483 --> 00:10:52,584 Seriously. 155 00:10:52,818 --> 00:10:55,988 [plays guitar] 156 00:10:56,121 --> 00:11:02,940 I believe in you and the girls, 157 00:11:08,967 --> 00:11:10,670 and I believe in love. 158 00:11:19,645 --> 00:11:26,919 [music] 159 00:11:30,456 --> 00:11:31,490 [background chatter] 160 00:11:31,623 --> 00:11:32,924 Baby, have a good session, okay? 161 00:11:33,580 --> 00:11:34,326 -Mrs. Petrosyan. -Hmm? 162 00:11:35,930 --> 00:11:36,996 We cannot take Olga today. 163 00:11:38,363 --> 00:11:39,465 Why? 164 00:11:40,832 --> 00:11:41,933 I'm sorry. 165 00:11:42,301 --> 00:11:45,170 What do you mean you can't take her? 166 00:11:45,303 --> 00:11:47,306 Some men came by yesterday evening 167 00:11:47,439 --> 00:11:50,309 asking for the names of all the Armenian children. 168 00:11:50,809 --> 00:11:52,745 What? 169 00:11:52,878 --> 00:11:56,214 I'm sorry, but if Olga stays here, we cannot guarantee her safety. 170 00:11:56,715 --> 00:11:58,170 You're joking. 171 00:11:59,518 --> 00:12:00,820 I wish I was. 172 00:12:01,720 --> 00:12:02,888 They're just children. 173 00:12:03,220 --> 00:12:04,656 Mrs.-- you have to go. 174 00:12:04,890 --> 00:12:07,930 We can't have any of you here anymore. 175 00:12:09,270 --> 00:12:15,333 [background chatter] 176 00:12:15,467 --> 00:12:16,434 Come on. 177 00:12:16,568 --> 00:12:22,174 [sirens] 178 00:12:28,146 --> 00:12:30,382 Mom, you're hurting my hand. 179 00:12:30,515 --> 00:12:31,617 Sorry, baby. 180 00:12:31,884 --> 00:12:32,985 Where are we going? 181 00:12:33,319 --> 00:12:35,420 You're going to spend the day with Mama. 182 00:12:35,554 --> 00:12:36,856 Yay. 183 00:12:39,240 --> 00:12:40,525 Have a good day, okay? 184 00:12:41,590 --> 00:12:42,361 -Bye. -Bye. 185 00:12:45,630 --> 00:12:47,990 You should go to my office. Yeah? 186 00:12:47,466 --> 00:12:49,935 Those attendance records that I signed last night, 187 00:12:50,680 --> 00:12:51,369 can I see them? 188 00:12:52,370 --> 00:12:54,173 Someone came by and picked them up. 189 00:12:54,873 --> 00:12:56,174 Who? 190 00:12:56,374 --> 00:12:57,476 I can't say. 191 00:12:58,444 --> 00:12:59,845 You can't or you won't? 192 00:13:00,746 --> 00:13:02,882 I wasn't here. I saw nothing. 193 00:13:07,886 --> 00:13:14,659 [music] 194 00:13:14,793 --> 00:13:17,763 Why don't you draw a nice picture for Mommy, okay? 195 00:13:17,963 --> 00:13:19,331 -Okay. -There we go. 196 00:13:21,333 --> 00:13:22,434 [coughs] 197 00:13:26,772 --> 00:13:27,873 [phone rings] 198 00:13:28,060 --> 00:13:29,410 Baku Research Center. 199 00:13:29,174 --> 00:13:31,090 Hi, this is Violetta Petrosyan. 200 00:13:31,142 --> 00:13:33,212 Has my husband Ivan arrived yet? 201 00:13:33,378 --> 00:13:34,480 One moment. 202 00:13:35,648 --> 00:13:37,150 -Violetta. -Ivan. 203 00:13:37,449 --> 00:13:38,551 What's wrong? 204 00:13:40,180 --> 00:13:42,540 Would it be possible for the girls and I 205 00:13:42,187 --> 00:13:46,291 to come and meet you at your office and then go to Papa's house together? 206 00:13:46,858 --> 00:13:48,227 Are you all right? 207 00:13:49,328 --> 00:13:51,230 I'm fine, yes, we're all fine. 208 00:13:51,764 --> 00:13:53,365 Your tone tells me otherwise. 209 00:13:54,700 --> 00:13:57,803 We'll meet you this afternoon, right after school, okay? 210 00:13:58,237 --> 00:13:59,872 -Okay. -Bye now. 211 00:14:04,209 --> 00:14:07,512 ♪ Happy birthday to you, ♪ 212 00:14:07,979 --> 00:14:11,216 ♪ Happy birthday to you, ♪ 213 00:14:11,449 --> 00:14:15,520 ♪ Happy birthday, dear, Yuri, ♪ 214 00:14:16,288 --> 00:14:19,757 -♪ Happy birthday to you. ♪ -♪ -to me. ♪ 215 00:14:19,891 --> 00:14:20,959 [laughs] 216 00:14:21,920 --> 00:14:22,328 [blows candles] 217 00:14:22,461 --> 00:14:25,464 [applause] 218 00:14:25,697 --> 00:14:31,370 My father used to always tell me on days like today, 219 00:14:31,636 --> 00:14:32,871 "We live in exile, 220 00:14:33,605 --> 00:14:37,842 and it's your duty to remember where you're from 221 00:14:38,176 --> 00:14:40,120 and to your children 222 00:14:40,212 --> 00:14:44,383 who've never seen the snow on Mount Ararat. 223 00:14:45,484 --> 00:14:46,585 Remind them." 224 00:14:49,954 --> 00:14:51,189 I'm Armenian 225 00:14:51,322 --> 00:14:55,600 in my heart, my soul, my blood, 226 00:14:56,795 --> 00:14:58,564 and I'm proud of it. 227 00:15:01,660 --> 00:15:04,503 I've never seen the snow on Mount Ararat, 228 00:15:06,237 --> 00:15:08,540 but what have I seen? 229 00:15:10,675 --> 00:15:11,777 The morning sun 230 00:15:12,277 --> 00:15:14,680 shimmering off the Caspian Sea, 231 00:15:15,880 --> 00:15:17,816 spring afternoons, 232 00:15:18,160 --> 00:15:19,285 [speaking indistinctly] 233 00:15:21,153 --> 00:15:24,256 and the old city... 234 00:15:25,757 --> 00:15:27,392 This is my city too. 235 00:15:27,726 --> 00:15:33,165 These Azerbaijani nationalists think it's only for them. 236 00:15:34,666 --> 00:15:40,390 I've sold tea and newspapers, and Prima cigarettes to them 237 00:15:40,806 --> 00:15:43,575 for 50 years. 238 00:15:46,111 --> 00:15:51,684 The city is the only home I've ever known. 239 00:15:56,755 --> 00:15:58,570 To Baku. 240 00:15:58,857 --> 00:15:59,791 To Baku. 241 00:15:59,925 --> 00:16:00,859 To Baku. 242 00:16:00,992 --> 00:16:05,640 [glasses clink] 243 00:16:06,640 --> 00:16:09,401 ♪ Sitting in an open window, ♪ 244 00:16:09,934 --> 00:16:14,060 ♪ And a songbird landed near, ♪ 245 00:16:14,906 --> 00:16:17,509 ♪ It was sweetly singing, ♪ 246 00:16:17,643 --> 00:16:23,749 ♪ Country, country home forever be. ♪ 247 00:16:24,850 --> 00:16:29,621 ♪ Country, country, home forever, ♪ 248 00:16:29,822 --> 00:16:30,755 ♪ With the sky-- ♪ 249 00:16:30,888 --> 00:16:32,257 You're okay, Mama? 250 00:16:33,224 --> 00:16:34,926 [dishes clinking] 251 00:16:35,600 --> 00:16:36,661 Your father and I are thinking 252 00:16:36,795 --> 00:16:39,998 of going to my cousin Yana's place in Volgograd, Russia 253 00:16:40,665 --> 00:16:43,568 just until the things settle down around here. 254 00:16:44,336 --> 00:16:46,672 That's why he was extra moody tonight. 255 00:16:47,673 --> 00:16:49,740 The invitation is open. 256 00:16:51,090 --> 00:16:52,544 Even if we wanted to, 257 00:16:52,678 --> 00:16:55,470 there's not enough space at Yana's place for all of us. 258 00:16:55,347 --> 00:16:58,283 I know. She knows of an empty apartment nearby. 259 00:16:59,184 --> 00:17:00,752 Mama, we're not leaving. 260 00:17:01,319 --> 00:17:04,556 It's getting more dangerous out there by the day. 261 00:17:05,857 --> 00:17:08,126 You and Ivan need to think of the girls. 262 00:17:08,860 --> 00:17:11,730 I love my job, Ivan loves his, and Baku is our home. 263 00:17:11,864 --> 00:17:15,100 We can just quit our jobs and leave everything behind. 264 00:17:17,169 --> 00:17:19,304 It's just temporary. 265 00:17:24,409 --> 00:17:27,945 Yana's phone number in Volgograd, should you change your mind. 266 00:17:28,980 --> 00:17:32,151 You worry yourself sick over everything all the time. 267 00:17:32,418 --> 00:17:34,620 The world is changing all around you, 268 00:17:35,870 --> 00:17:36,321 yet you fail to see it. 269 00:17:37,880 --> 00:17:40,292 We won't need this, and you don't need to go to Russia either. 270 00:17:40,425 --> 00:17:44,496 No government, no political party, and no friends 271 00:17:44,629 --> 00:17:48,990 are ever going to look out for you like your family. 272 00:17:48,233 --> 00:17:49,535 Take it. 273 00:17:52,537 --> 00:17:53,639 Mama. 274 00:17:56,574 --> 00:18:00,379 Why don't you and Ivan head back before it gets too late? 275 00:18:06,485 --> 00:18:13,592 [music] 276 00:18:17,595 --> 00:18:20,980 Just get them to bed. Get them straight to bed. 277 00:18:20,231 --> 00:18:21,132 Okay. 278 00:18:21,266 --> 00:18:22,568 That's a good idea. 279 00:18:26,438 --> 00:18:28,400 [shouting] [gunshot] 280 00:18:28,340 --> 00:18:30,175 -Papa? -Yes? 281 00:18:30,308 --> 00:18:31,976 What's that sound? 282 00:18:32,110 --> 00:18:33,712 I'm not sure, my angel. 283 00:18:34,979 --> 00:18:36,348 I will find out, okay? 284 00:18:38,550 --> 00:18:39,650 No. 285 00:18:39,817 --> 00:18:40,918 Help. 286 00:18:41,520 --> 00:18:41,953 Ohanna? 287 00:18:42,870 --> 00:18:43,288 Ohanna? 288 00:18:43,588 --> 00:18:44,689 Help. 289 00:18:44,856 --> 00:18:46,124 Oh, no. 290 00:18:46,258 --> 00:18:48,590 Ohanna, help. 291 00:18:48,259 --> 00:18:50,662 Help. Ohanna, help. 292 00:18:51,290 --> 00:18:52,397 [screams] 293 00:18:52,531 --> 00:18:53,799 -What is going on? -Oh, help. 294 00:18:53,932 --> 00:18:55,660 -I don't know. -Help. 295 00:18:55,199 --> 00:18:56,567 -No, no. -Shh, and keep quiet. 296 00:18:56,701 --> 00:18:58,170 -Nobody make a sound. -[screams] Help. 297 00:18:58,303 --> 00:18:59,605 Help. 298 00:19:04,090 --> 00:19:05,760 No. 299 00:19:05,209 --> 00:19:06,577 Help. 300 00:19:06,711 --> 00:19:08,580 No, no, stay away from the windows. 301 00:19:08,713 --> 00:19:10,448 Stay away from the windows. 302 00:19:10,581 --> 00:19:12,284 -Why? -Do as I say. 303 00:19:13,451 --> 00:19:15,286 -Shh, shh, shh, shh. -No. 304 00:19:15,420 --> 00:19:17,121 [screams] Oh, help. 305 00:19:17,255 --> 00:19:19,491 It's Grigor Arzumanyan. 306 00:19:21,225 --> 00:19:22,694 -[screams] -No. 307 00:19:23,161 --> 00:19:24,396 No. 308 00:19:25,196 --> 00:19:27,310 [cries] 309 00:19:27,165 --> 00:19:29,367 No. Please. Please. No. 310 00:19:29,500 --> 00:19:31,436 [gunshots] [screaming] 311 00:19:31,569 --> 00:19:33,805 [breathes heavily] 312 00:19:35,807 --> 00:19:36,909 What do we do? 313 00:19:39,411 --> 00:19:40,678 Shh, shh, shh, shh. 314 00:19:40,812 --> 00:19:42,714 No, no, no, please listen, listen, 315 00:19:42,914 --> 00:19:45,684 no matter what happens, no matter what you hear, 316 00:19:46,117 --> 00:19:48,253 nobody makes a sound. All right. 317 00:19:48,386 --> 00:19:49,755 Do you understand? 318 00:19:50,454 --> 00:19:51,589 Do you understand? 319 00:19:51,722 --> 00:19:53,124 -[door bangs] -Shh, shh, shh. 320 00:19:53,258 --> 00:19:54,159 Open up. 321 00:19:54,292 --> 00:19:58,263 [door bangs] 322 00:19:59,970 --> 00:20:00,732 Ivan and Violet Petrosyan, 323 00:20:01,366 --> 00:20:02,834 open the door. 324 00:20:03,735 --> 00:20:05,537 You're looking for the Petrosyans? 325 00:20:05,670 --> 00:20:07,606 They left for Moscow last week. 326 00:20:08,400 --> 00:20:10,576 When they return, so will we. 327 00:20:15,380 --> 00:20:18,684 We have to leave here now. 328 00:20:25,230 --> 00:20:28,226 [sirens] 329 00:20:28,360 --> 00:20:31,997 -Did you put my monkey in the bags? -No, just your clothes. 330 00:20:32,264 --> 00:20:33,966 -Did you, Papa? -No, my angel, I forgot. 331 00:20:34,990 --> 00:20:35,333 -We have to go back and get it. -[gunshots] 332 00:20:35,467 --> 00:20:36,801 -Shh. -Shh! 333 00:20:36,935 --> 00:20:40,272 -[bombs blasting] -Get down. Get down. 334 00:20:40,439 --> 00:20:41,873 It's not safe to go back now, 335 00:20:42,060 --> 00:20:44,542 but I promise, when we get back from our trip, 336 00:20:44,742 --> 00:20:46,545 your monkey will be there, okay? 337 00:20:46,678 --> 00:20:48,446 I want him to go on a trip with us. 338 00:20:48,580 --> 00:20:51,816 I know, my angel, but I promise you'll see him again. 339 00:20:52,150 --> 00:20:59,458 [sirens] 340 00:21:04,950 --> 00:21:05,564 We have to move quickly. 341 00:21:07,980 --> 00:21:08,990 Let's go. 342 00:21:08,233 --> 00:21:14,720 [sirens] 343 00:21:14,205 --> 00:21:16,408 I assume you've been briefed by your lawyer 344 00:21:16,541 --> 00:21:19,110 about the process that will take place today. 345 00:21:19,244 --> 00:21:21,579 This is not a criminal trial. 346 00:21:21,780 --> 00:21:24,820 However, you did break United States law 347 00:21:24,215 --> 00:21:27,552 by willfully choosing to skip your return flight back to Moscow 348 00:21:27,685 --> 00:21:31,289 -and overstay your tourist visa. -We did not mean to break the law. 349 00:21:31,422 --> 00:21:32,791 We applied for asylum. 350 00:21:32,924 --> 00:21:35,794 You will not interrupt when I'm speaking. 351 00:21:35,927 --> 00:21:37,396 Do you understand? 352 00:21:37,529 --> 00:21:39,297 We apologize for speaking out of turn, Your Honor. 353 00:21:39,430 --> 00:21:40,498 I'm sorry. 354 00:21:40,632 --> 00:21:46,338 [background chatter] 355 00:21:46,471 --> 00:21:47,905 I'm sorry. What is this? 356 00:21:48,390 --> 00:21:50,508 These are our congregation in West Virginia. 357 00:21:50,642 --> 00:21:52,644 They came to support, as I told you. 358 00:21:52,777 --> 00:21:54,679 -Please. -Did you mention this? 359 00:21:54,812 --> 00:21:58,183 All right. Will someone please tell me what's going on? 360 00:21:58,316 --> 00:21:59,617 Okay. 361 00:22:00,185 --> 00:22:02,687 Your Honor, these are friends, 362 00:22:02,887 --> 00:22:05,957 supporters, character witnesses from the Petrosyan's church. 363 00:22:06,900 --> 00:22:07,910 Petrosyan. 364 00:22:07,225 --> 00:22:08,927 Sure. Yes. Petrosyan. 365 00:22:09,360 --> 00:22:12,864 These witnesses drove in from West Virginia this morning. 366 00:22:14,398 --> 00:22:15,701 Counselor Owens, 367 00:22:17,301 --> 00:22:18,936 the defense failed 368 00:22:19,700 --> 00:22:21,390 to submit any witness lists ahead of this case this morning. 369 00:22:21,172 --> 00:22:23,675 Therefore, the court cannot and will not hear 370 00:22:23,808 --> 00:22:26,110 any testimonies from any character witnesses 371 00:22:26,244 --> 00:22:28,179 for this case. 372 00:22:28,312 --> 00:22:30,181 I must say that two interruptions in one morning are more than enough. 373 00:22:30,315 --> 00:22:32,550 If anyone else would like to disrupt this court today, 374 00:22:32,683 --> 00:22:35,530 I will gladly hold them in contempt. 375 00:22:36,287 --> 00:22:37,488 Understood, Your Honor. 376 00:22:37,755 --> 00:22:38,990 Today's hearing will decide 377 00:22:39,124 --> 00:22:40,725 whether or not the court believes 378 00:22:40,858 --> 00:22:43,270 there is justification to grant you asylum. 379 00:22:43,161 --> 00:22:45,960 Now, if you cannot prove to this court that you qualify for asylum, 380 00:22:45,230 --> 00:22:48,299 then you will be deported back to Russia immediately. 381 00:22:48,533 --> 00:22:50,769 Do we understand what's at stake today? 382 00:22:51,936 --> 00:22:53,838 My clients understand, Your Honor. 383 00:22:53,971 --> 00:22:55,720 Let's begin. 384 00:22:55,473 --> 00:22:57,475 I give the floor to Counselor Whitlow. 385 00:22:57,708 --> 00:22:59,343 Thank you, Your Honor. 386 00:23:00,111 --> 00:23:03,614 I would like to call Violetta Petrosyan to the stand first. 387 00:23:03,915 --> 00:23:05,417 Please raise your right hand. 388 00:23:05,550 --> 00:23:07,385 Do you solemnly swear 389 00:23:07,518 --> 00:23:08,820 to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, 390 00:23:08,953 --> 00:23:10,389 -so help you God? -I do. 391 00:23:11,255 --> 00:23:12,724 You may sit, Ms. Petrosyan. 392 00:23:16,361 --> 00:23:17,595 Good morning. 393 00:23:17,862 --> 00:23:19,864 According to documents received by the court, 394 00:23:19,998 --> 00:23:24,369 you and your family fled Azerbaijan due to targeted ethnic violence 395 00:23:24,503 --> 00:23:27,605 during the 1988 Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. 396 00:23:27,805 --> 00:23:29,440 First, you went to Armenia 397 00:23:29,574 --> 00:23:33,778 and then shortly after that, you landed in Volgograd, Russia 398 00:23:33,911 --> 00:23:36,848 where you were permitted to live with refugee status. 399 00:23:37,315 --> 00:23:38,550 That is correct. 400 00:23:39,484 --> 00:23:42,253 Ivan's cousin invited us to Armenia, 401 00:23:42,620 --> 00:23:44,489 but when we got there, 402 00:23:44,622 --> 00:23:47,391 we were treated as foreigners because we were born in Azerbaijan. 403 00:23:47,525 --> 00:23:48,827 We do not speak Armenian. 404 00:23:49,394 --> 00:23:52,830 We could not find any work, so it became impossible to stay. 405 00:23:53,130 --> 00:23:55,700 Russia became your home after that? 406 00:23:55,834 --> 00:23:57,302 I wouldn't call it home. 407 00:23:57,502 --> 00:23:59,370 You were given residency in Russia, 408 00:23:59,504 --> 00:24:01,138 -correct? -Yes. 409 00:24:01,272 --> 00:24:03,340 Free to stay as long as you like for the rest of your life? 410 00:24:03,474 --> 00:24:04,776 Yes. 411 00:24:06,344 --> 00:24:12,117 Why would you and Mr. Petrosyan decide to leave a country 412 00:24:12,250 --> 00:24:13,885 that welcomed you with open arms 413 00:24:14,180 --> 00:24:17,321 only to apply for asylum in a brand new country 414 00:24:17,455 --> 00:24:20,124 hoping this one would also welcome you with open arms? 415 00:24:20,258 --> 00:24:22,894 We weren't exactly welcomed with open arms in Russia. 416 00:24:23,280 --> 00:24:25,129 Is this a pattern for you and your husband? 417 00:24:25,262 --> 00:24:28,466 Do you like to take vacations to other countries 418 00:24:28,600 --> 00:24:30,301 and then stay when you see 419 00:24:30,435 --> 00:24:32,937 it's just a little bit better than the one that came before? 420 00:24:33,710 --> 00:24:34,973 Of course not. That is a lie. 421 00:24:35,106 --> 00:24:36,208 What's next? 422 00:24:36,374 --> 00:24:37,608 Cayman Islands? 423 00:24:37,742 --> 00:24:39,310 -Objection, your honor. -Sustained. 424 00:24:39,443 --> 00:24:42,313 Counsel needs to tighten up her line of questioning. 425 00:24:43,140 --> 00:24:44,982 We may have been allowed to stay in Russia, 426 00:24:45,116 --> 00:24:48,219 but we'll never have a real life there. 427 00:24:48,386 --> 00:24:50,188 Can you elaborate for the court? 428 00:24:51,589 --> 00:24:58,897 [music] 429 00:25:03,734 --> 00:25:05,870 I don't like this neighborhood. 430 00:25:06,040 --> 00:25:07,706 We won't be here forever. 431 00:25:09,274 --> 00:25:10,809 Ivan, how much further? 432 00:25:11,543 --> 00:25:12,777 We're almost there. 433 00:25:16,547 --> 00:25:18,516 How did you find this place? 434 00:25:18,650 --> 00:25:21,419 Your grandmother told us about it. She knows someone who lives here. 435 00:25:21,552 --> 00:25:23,654 Why can't we live with Grandma? 436 00:25:23,854 --> 00:25:26,658 Because they don't have the space for all of us. 437 00:25:27,959 --> 00:25:30,529 This building looks scary. 438 00:25:31,162 --> 00:25:32,264 It's not scary. 439 00:25:33,598 --> 00:25:35,232 We have nothing for you. Go away. 440 00:25:35,366 --> 00:25:36,568 Yana sent us. 441 00:25:36,901 --> 00:25:39,337 Yana? She said you'll be here in the morning. 442 00:25:39,470 --> 00:25:41,106 Our bus was late, I'm sorry. 443 00:25:41,239 --> 00:25:43,241 Well, come in quickly. 444 00:25:43,541 --> 00:25:46,210 Come on, come on, you're letting the cold air in. 445 00:25:46,344 --> 00:25:53,618 [music] 446 00:26:25,483 --> 00:26:26,617 Where's the bathroom? 447 00:26:27,180 --> 00:26:29,200 Common, all toilets down the hall. 448 00:26:29,787 --> 00:26:31,890 Papa, where are the beds? 449 00:26:32,623 --> 00:26:33,724 You'll get beds. 450 00:26:34,125 --> 00:26:35,926 We can't fit two beds in here. 451 00:26:36,527 --> 00:26:37,829 We'll figure it out. 452 00:26:41,298 --> 00:26:42,300 Is there no heat? 453 00:26:43,567 --> 00:26:46,637 Yana's brother will come by tomorrow then work on it. 454 00:26:46,771 --> 00:26:48,673 You have blankets right there. 455 00:26:52,944 --> 00:26:54,979 How long we have to stay here? 456 00:26:55,112 --> 00:26:57,414 We don't know, darling, but we're safe right now. 457 00:26:57,548 --> 00:26:58,849 That's what's important. 458 00:26:58,983 --> 00:27:00,685 I don't like this place. 459 00:27:00,818 --> 00:27:02,187 I want to go home. 460 00:27:02,987 --> 00:27:04,889 I miss my monkey. 461 00:27:05,230 --> 00:27:07,920 [music] 462 00:27:07,225 --> 00:27:08,326 Come here. 463 00:27:09,760 --> 00:27:11,620 I know 464 00:27:11,329 --> 00:27:13,330 this place doesn't look like much right now, 465 00:27:13,831 --> 00:27:20,871 so we're going to make it cozy and beautiful just like our home, okay? 466 00:27:21,205 --> 00:27:23,307 We're going to make it much better. 467 00:27:23,507 --> 00:27:25,677 Where are we going to sleep? 468 00:27:35,486 --> 00:27:42,327 I'm going to make you a bed so we don't get our clothes dirty. 469 00:27:44,295 --> 00:27:45,563 I'm hungry. 470 00:27:45,697 --> 00:27:47,766 It's okay, baby, I brought some things. 471 00:27:50,435 --> 00:27:51,736 Okay, come on. 472 00:27:59,343 --> 00:28:02,346 ♪ Sleep, daughter, sleep, ♪ 473 00:28:02,747 --> 00:28:05,750 ♪ The moon above is shining. ♪ 474 00:28:06,150 --> 00:28:09,153 ♪ The Earth below is turning, ♪ 475 00:28:09,520 --> 00:28:12,657 ♪ Just as my love. ♪ 476 00:28:12,790 --> 00:28:16,193 ♪ Sleep daughter, sleep. ♪ 477 00:28:16,327 --> 00:28:23,435 [music] 478 00:28:35,747 --> 00:28:37,480 [door knocks] 479 00:28:40,652 --> 00:28:41,953 [door knocks] 480 00:28:45,323 --> 00:28:46,357 [door knocks] 481 00:28:46,890 --> 00:28:48,159 [opens door] 482 00:28:50,661 --> 00:28:51,729 You are Yana's brother? 483 00:28:51,863 --> 00:28:53,131 Yes. 484 00:28:55,733 --> 00:28:57,435 -Hello. -Hello. 485 00:28:57,568 --> 00:28:59,237 -I'm Ivan. -Sasha. 486 00:29:00,370 --> 00:29:01,372 Feels like Siberia in here. 487 00:29:01,506 --> 00:29:03,641 We didn't realize there would be no heat. 488 00:29:03,774 --> 00:29:05,310 And no furniture. 489 00:29:06,377 --> 00:29:08,579 The main thing right now is the heat. 490 00:29:08,713 --> 00:29:09,947 Yes, the heat. 491 00:29:10,800 --> 00:29:11,282 It's always the heat. 492 00:29:11,882 --> 00:29:15,953 Should be fixed, the leak, and get connected to the waterline. 493 00:29:16,870 --> 00:29:21,250 I would've tried to fix it myself, but I had to leave my tools behind. 494 00:29:21,158 --> 00:29:24,620 No problem. My tools, my job, my pleasure. 495 00:29:24,629 --> 00:29:25,864 Thank you. 496 00:29:30,000 --> 00:29:35,406 You wouldn't happen to know anyone around here who might be hiring? 497 00:29:35,773 --> 00:29:37,809 What kind of work do you do? 498 00:29:38,709 --> 00:29:39,911 I'm a rocket scientist. 499 00:29:40,440 --> 00:29:42,479 Oh, you're a comedian. 500 00:29:42,613 --> 00:29:43,781 [laughs] 501 00:29:44,150 --> 00:29:46,217 No really, what kind of work do you do? 502 00:29:46,451 --> 00:29:47,752 I'm a rocket scientist. 503 00:29:48,419 --> 00:29:50,989 I specialize in spacecraft propulsion. 504 00:29:52,790 --> 00:29:54,726 Serious? 505 00:29:54,859 --> 00:29:57,862 I've worked at the space program, the Soviet Research Institute in Baku. 506 00:29:58,663 --> 00:30:00,264 My friend, 507 00:30:00,398 --> 00:30:03,334 I'm afraid you won't find anything like that in Volgograd. 508 00:30:03,734 --> 00:30:07,205 I will do anything to take care of my family. 509 00:30:08,720 --> 00:30:09,707 All right. I will ask around. 510 00:30:09,941 --> 00:30:11,342 Okay. Thank you. 511 00:30:12,760 --> 00:30:13,710 You're welcome. 512 00:30:14,144 --> 00:30:18,650 Oh, do you know if there is a bakery or a market open at this hour? 513 00:30:18,983 --> 00:30:21,452 Yes, it's just around the corner to the left, 514 00:30:21,919 --> 00:30:23,654 and I am going to get my tools. 515 00:30:24,210 --> 00:30:25,323 Okay. 516 00:30:26,624 --> 00:30:33,932 [music] 517 00:30:37,701 --> 00:30:39,360 If you need something to do, 518 00:30:39,170 --> 00:30:41,105 I need you to go to the--this thing-- 519 00:30:41,238 --> 00:30:42,640 -if it's only four of them. -Okay, good. 520 00:30:42,773 --> 00:30:44,750 Yes? Thank you. 521 00:30:44,942 --> 00:30:46,430 [door knocks] 522 00:30:46,377 --> 00:30:49,380 Is this Violetta and Ivan's place? 523 00:30:49,514 --> 00:30:50,615 Who's asking? 524 00:30:51,150 --> 00:30:53,585 I'm a friend of your mother-in-law, Annette. 525 00:30:56,687 --> 00:30:57,655 Hello. 526 00:30:57,788 --> 00:30:58,823 I'm Ivan. 527 00:30:58,956 --> 00:31:00,591 -[music] -Vova. 528 00:31:00,725 --> 00:31:04,429 Annette said you might be short on some items for the apartment. 529 00:31:07,231 --> 00:31:08,867 Where should I put this? 530 00:31:09,834 --> 00:31:11,335 Over there, I guess. 531 00:31:11,635 --> 00:31:12,937 Okay. 532 00:31:13,871 --> 00:31:15,139 I'll leave it right here. 533 00:31:15,272 --> 00:31:16,808 You are American? 534 00:31:17,175 --> 00:31:19,810 [chuckles] My New York accent gave it away. 535 00:31:19,944 --> 00:31:21,980 I'm Duane. Nice to meet you. 536 00:31:23,213 --> 00:31:25,950 I heard all about your family from your mother. 537 00:31:27,285 --> 00:31:28,819 We have some more boxes. 538 00:31:28,953 --> 00:31:29,887 That's right. 539 00:31:30,210 --> 00:31:31,322 We'll be back. 540 00:31:32,189 --> 00:31:33,491 The rest of the-- 541 00:31:34,558 --> 00:31:35,660 Do you know them? 542 00:31:42,132 --> 00:31:43,333 -Hey. -Hello. 543 00:31:43,467 --> 00:31:44,568 Oh. 544 00:31:44,702 --> 00:31:46,503 Grandma and Grandpa. 545 00:31:46,637 --> 00:31:48,940 I thought we'd never see you again. 546 00:31:49,640 --> 00:31:52,810 -Oh, woah. -[crosstalk] Look at you, my love. 547 00:31:53,110 --> 00:31:55,379 We'll help you set up in this apartment. 548 00:31:55,512 --> 00:31:57,715 -Don't worry. -Girls, come with me, 549 00:31:57,848 --> 00:31:59,584 we have more things outside. 550 00:32:00,884 --> 00:32:02,190 Here's something-- 551 00:32:02,253 --> 00:32:03,520 All right. Here we go. 552 00:32:03,654 --> 00:32:05,523 -Another box for you. -Thank you. 553 00:32:06,524 --> 00:32:09,694 These are my friends from church. 554 00:32:10,461 --> 00:32:12,297 Mommy, you go to a church? 555 00:32:13,298 --> 00:32:16,234 We met them shortly after we arrive. 556 00:32:16,567 --> 00:32:20,270 They have been helping many of Armenian refugees. 557 00:32:21,380 --> 00:32:24,808 Duane's been visiting and volunteering for a while now. 558 00:32:25,309 --> 00:32:28,913 Why would you leave your home and come all the way to Volgograd, Russia? 559 00:32:29,460 --> 00:32:32,349 Our church back in the States actually helped stock Vova's church, 560 00:32:32,483 --> 00:32:34,184 and I wanted to make regular trips. 561 00:32:34,318 --> 00:32:35,519 To do what exactly? 562 00:32:35,753 --> 00:32:37,555 Anything that I could do to be useful. 563 00:32:37,688 --> 00:32:39,557 We heard about your furniture situation, 564 00:32:39,690 --> 00:32:42,693 so a few of us from the church will be stopping by later on 565 00:32:42,827 --> 00:32:44,161 to help with that as well. 566 00:32:44,495 --> 00:32:46,664 What are you expecting in return? 567 00:32:46,798 --> 00:32:50,335 -We don't have much to offer. -No, no, no, we don't expect anything. 568 00:32:51,302 --> 00:32:52,603 We don't want anything. 569 00:32:52,936 --> 00:32:55,573 We're just really happy to be able to help you. 570 00:32:57,174 --> 00:32:58,676 I don't know what to say. 571 00:33:00,511 --> 00:33:02,246 Contrary to what you said earlier, 572 00:33:02,379 --> 00:33:05,516 you were welcomed with open arms into Russia. 573 00:33:05,650 --> 00:33:09,953 You had a new apartment, new friends, relatives nearby, 574 00:33:10,870 --> 00:33:12,956 and it sounds like home. 575 00:33:13,690 --> 00:33:17,280 We may have found some support through friends and family, 576 00:33:17,161 --> 00:33:18,629 but we soon discovered 577 00:33:18,762 --> 00:33:21,432 that everything else would be very difficult. 578 00:33:21,632 --> 00:33:22,967 Everything else? 579 00:33:23,101 --> 00:33:24,668 The government may have allowed us to stay, 580 00:33:24,802 --> 00:33:27,271 but the people of Russia did not accept us. 581 00:33:28,105 --> 00:33:32,810 I expected some level of racism towards Armenians in Russia, 582 00:33:32,943 --> 00:33:37,682 but what we encountered was something beyond that. 583 00:33:38,182 --> 00:33:43,221 As far as looking for work, it was very difficult for us both. 584 00:33:43,921 --> 00:33:45,122 A bus driver? 585 00:33:46,900 --> 00:33:48,859 Maintenance too, not just driving. 586 00:33:49,226 --> 00:33:50,994 I want to ride a bus too. 587 00:33:51,128 --> 00:33:52,129 Me too. 588 00:33:52,263 --> 00:33:53,731 Well, it's not free. 589 00:33:53,964 --> 00:33:55,660 You have to pay. 590 00:33:56,200 --> 00:34:00,104 You work with calculations, engineers, propulsion systems. 591 00:34:00,237 --> 00:34:01,205 You don't drive buses. 592 00:34:01,338 --> 00:34:02,707 Think of it 593 00:34:02,840 --> 00:34:05,475 as a different kind of propulsion system 594 00:34:05,642 --> 00:34:08,579 propelling people through the streets of Volgograd. 595 00:34:10,914 --> 00:34:12,216 Okay. 596 00:34:14,385 --> 00:34:15,619 How about you? 597 00:34:15,753 --> 00:34:17,187 Did you get the interview at the school? 598 00:34:17,321 --> 00:34:18,890 -Tomorrow. -Good. 599 00:34:19,230 --> 00:34:22,920 It's not administration. It's a teaching position. 600 00:34:22,226 --> 00:34:23,528 Very low pay. 601 00:34:24,328 --> 00:34:25,763 At least it's something. 602 00:34:27,230 --> 00:34:28,533 It's something. 603 00:34:30,868 --> 00:34:31,802 [sighs] 604 00:34:31,935 --> 00:34:33,271 What are you drawing? 605 00:34:33,871 --> 00:34:34,838 Ooh. 606 00:34:34,972 --> 00:34:36,140 Oh, I love it. 607 00:34:36,273 --> 00:34:37,941 I'm sorry, 608 00:34:38,750 --> 00:34:40,711 could you run down to the store and get us a few more potatoes? 609 00:34:40,978 --> 00:34:42,813 -Sure. -Thank you. 610 00:34:43,800 --> 00:34:44,615 Do we need anything else? 611 00:34:44,748 --> 00:34:45,850 -No. -No. 612 00:34:50,120 --> 00:34:51,321 Hey, 613 00:34:52,890 --> 00:34:53,791 everything's going to be okay. 614 00:34:55,125 --> 00:35:00,431 [music] 615 00:35:01,640 --> 00:35:02,366 Great. 616 00:35:02,499 --> 00:35:04,680 How come she's not doing a cartwheel? 617 00:35:04,201 --> 00:35:05,202 [chuckles] 618 00:35:05,336 --> 00:35:06,637 -I can! -[door closes] 619 00:35:10,875 --> 00:35:18,182 [music] 620 00:35:24,540 --> 00:35:25,880 [whistles] 621 00:35:25,222 --> 00:35:26,323 Hey. 622 00:35:26,490 --> 00:35:27,825 You. Come on. 623 00:35:31,950 --> 00:35:32,362 Me? 624 00:35:32,729 --> 00:35:35,666 What do you think you're doing around this neighborhood? 625 00:35:36,366 --> 00:35:39,904 I live right here. 626 00:35:41,710 --> 00:35:42,540 Show us your papers. 627 00:35:43,070 --> 00:35:44,740 Papers? 628 00:35:44,208 --> 00:35:45,676 So you're deaf and dumb, huh? 629 00:35:46,811 --> 00:35:48,679 I don't have any papers. 630 00:35:53,283 --> 00:35:55,153 You're not White. 631 00:35:56,319 --> 00:35:57,822 You're not Black, 632 00:35:59,556 --> 00:36:01,492 and you're not so Brown either, 633 00:36:05,762 --> 00:36:06,864 so what are you? 634 00:36:10,834 --> 00:36:11,936 I'm Armenian 635 00:36:13,203 --> 00:36:14,705 from Azerbaijan. 636 00:36:15,873 --> 00:36:17,808 I just moved here with my family. 637 00:36:18,642 --> 00:36:20,811 We were given refugee status. 638 00:36:23,247 --> 00:36:24,549 Armenian. 639 00:36:25,182 --> 00:36:26,383 [spits] 640 00:36:27,551 --> 00:36:30,488 There's too many of you stinking up our city. 641 00:36:33,324 --> 00:36:34,625 It's just temporary 642 00:36:35,560 --> 00:36:37,628 until things calm down back home. 643 00:36:38,829 --> 00:36:40,398 Vadim, 644 00:36:41,320 --> 00:36:44,902 would you like to show what happens to foreigners who don't have their papers? 645 00:36:47,838 --> 00:36:49,473 Hey, hey, Dimitri. 646 00:36:50,674 --> 00:36:51,675 Vova. 647 00:36:52,109 --> 00:36:53,177 Stop. It's okay. 648 00:36:53,310 --> 00:36:54,311 I know this man. 649 00:36:54,445 --> 00:36:56,647 Vova, you know this scum? 650 00:36:57,381 --> 00:36:58,749 Ivan is a good man. 651 00:36:58,916 --> 00:37:00,170 He has family. 652 00:37:00,251 --> 00:37:01,752 Very, very, very good people. 653 00:37:01,885 --> 00:37:03,588 Please let him go. 654 00:37:04,855 --> 00:37:06,891 How can I take you for your word? 655 00:37:09,930 --> 00:37:12,964 You are a hardworking officer, certainly you deserve something nice. 656 00:37:15,980 --> 00:37:16,400 On me. 657 00:37:16,867 --> 00:37:17,969 Please. 658 00:37:19,570 --> 00:37:21,405 Educate your Armenian friend here 659 00:37:21,538 --> 00:37:24,308 about the dangers of not carrying his papers. 660 00:37:24,441 --> 00:37:25,743 Yes, of course. 661 00:37:33,817 --> 00:37:34,919 You're okay? 662 00:37:36,860 --> 00:37:37,488 Do you know those guys? 663 00:37:38,289 --> 00:37:40,758 Yes, my brother Dimitri. 664 00:37:40,891 --> 00:37:42,393 The shorter one. 665 00:37:42,526 --> 00:37:43,828 He's lovely. 666 00:37:45,610 --> 00:37:48,532 Whenever you see him, go the other direction. 667 00:37:48,665 --> 00:37:53,337 -Noted. -Please carry your papers at all times. 668 00:37:54,372 --> 00:37:56,707 He wouldn't be the only one to harass you. 669 00:37:57,541 --> 00:37:59,410 That goes for Violet too. 670 00:38:00,770 --> 00:38:01,379 I will let her know. 671 00:38:02,450 --> 00:38:03,347 Thank you. 672 00:38:04,810 --> 00:38:05,650 -Bye. -Bye. 673 00:38:07,118 --> 00:38:09,453 Come by the church sometimes to say hello. 674 00:38:09,987 --> 00:38:12,290 Your mother-in-law has the address. 675 00:38:14,558 --> 00:38:15,860 I'll think about it. 676 00:38:16,527 --> 00:38:18,195 -[music] -See you around, friend. 677 00:38:18,328 --> 00:38:19,430 Take care. 678 00:38:19,663 --> 00:38:20,965 Thank you, friend. 679 00:38:24,368 --> 00:38:31,410 [background chatter] 680 00:38:31,175 --> 00:38:33,511 Mrs. Petrosyan, in here. 681 00:38:49,125 --> 00:38:50,760 I understand 682 00:38:50,894 --> 00:38:53,263 you've had trouble finding work since you arrived in Russia. 683 00:38:53,597 --> 00:38:56,670 It has been more difficult than I expected. 684 00:38:59,469 --> 00:39:03,774 That's because no one likes to give a Russian job to a foreigner 685 00:39:04,975 --> 00:39:06,143 unless we have to. 686 00:39:06,910 --> 00:39:11,820 In this case, we are understaffed, so we have to. 687 00:39:12,716 --> 00:39:15,686 I would be very grateful if you hired me. 688 00:39:18,388 --> 00:39:20,391 You are a Communist Party member? 689 00:39:21,250 --> 00:39:22,930 My whole life. 690 00:39:25,629 --> 00:39:27,797 You'll start Monday, 7:00 AM. 691 00:39:27,931 --> 00:39:29,330 [sighs] 692 00:39:30,167 --> 00:39:31,234 Thank you very much. 693 00:39:32,302 --> 00:39:36,440 Just because you are going to work here doesn't mean you are one of us. 694 00:39:38,942 --> 00:39:39,843 I'm sorry? 695 00:39:40,277 --> 00:39:42,747 I need you to repeat something after me, 696 00:39:44,147 --> 00:39:49,120 "I am quieter than water and lower than grass." 697 00:39:52,550 --> 00:39:53,157 What? 698 00:39:54,991 --> 00:40:00,731 If you want this job, I suggest you repeat after me right now. 699 00:40:01,965 --> 00:40:03,670 Okay. 700 00:40:03,801 --> 00:40:06,170 I am quieter than water- 701 00:40:07,671 --> 00:40:09,539 I am quieter than water- 702 00:40:10,173 --> 00:40:12,108 -and lower than grass. 703 00:40:12,542 --> 00:40:14,178 -and lower than grass. 704 00:40:15,412 --> 00:40:16,647 One more time. 705 00:40:16,914 --> 00:40:19,282 I'm quieter than water and lower than grass. 706 00:40:19,416 --> 00:40:20,718 One more time. 707 00:40:28,258 --> 00:40:31,562 [cries] I'm quieter than and lower than grass. 708 00:40:32,529 --> 00:40:33,630 Yes, you are. 709 00:40:34,765 --> 00:40:39,470 Recite this to yourself every day when you enter the doors of my school 710 00:40:40,570 --> 00:40:42,840 because this is your place here. 711 00:40:52,782 --> 00:40:54,518 Get out of my office. 712 00:41:01,491 --> 00:41:05,896 We are all very sorry to hear that, Mrs. Petrosyan. 713 00:41:09,265 --> 00:41:10,734 I can only imagine 714 00:41:10,867 --> 00:41:13,203 what a difficult moment that must've been for you. 715 00:41:14,380 --> 00:41:16,340 I had never been so humiliated. [cries] 716 00:41:16,507 --> 00:41:20,677 How was the rest of your experience during your time teaching at that school? 717 00:41:20,811 --> 00:41:22,120 I did as I was told. 718 00:41:22,145 --> 00:41:24,681 I never attempted to make friends. 719 00:41:24,815 --> 00:41:26,784 I just tried to maintain the distance 720 00:41:26,917 --> 00:41:29,519 from the school director and rest of the faculty, 721 00:41:30,120 --> 00:41:35,358 but I was always the target for humiliation. 722 00:41:35,492 --> 00:41:36,760 Why was that? 723 00:41:36,894 --> 00:41:39,295 It was not only because I am Armenian, 724 00:41:39,429 --> 00:41:44,334 but because I started to attend my mother's church in Volgograd. 725 00:41:44,468 --> 00:41:46,636 Despite being a Communist 726 00:41:46,870 --> 00:41:48,339 -at the time? -Correct. 727 00:41:48,472 --> 00:41:51,307 I obviously had no interest in attending at first, 728 00:41:51,441 --> 00:41:56,213 but I started to notice some positive changes in my mother's life 729 00:41:56,346 --> 00:41:59,549 after she started going, and [chuckles] 730 00:41:59,683 --> 00:42:03,587 she wasn't so worried about everything all the time anymore. 731 00:42:04,454 --> 00:42:08,726 She had this new sense of peace 732 00:42:09,726 --> 00:42:11,662 despite our circumstances. 733 00:42:11,795 --> 00:42:18,010 [cries] I'm sorry, I don't know, I suppose I was looking for that too, 734 00:42:18,235 --> 00:42:22,405 so we started to attend, myself, Julia, and Olga. 735 00:42:22,539 --> 00:42:23,974 The more I listened, 736 00:42:24,108 --> 00:42:27,430 the more I changed the way I carried myself. 737 00:42:27,177 --> 00:42:30,681 Well, maybe you could give us an example. 738 00:42:32,949 --> 00:42:35,785 Jesus's teachings on the concept of forgiveness. 739 00:42:35,919 --> 00:42:41,424 When the faculty at the school would say or do mean things to me, 740 00:42:41,558 --> 00:42:44,661 I would forgive them 741 00:42:45,161 --> 00:42:48,865 and try to be even kinder to them the next time I saw them, 742 00:42:48,999 --> 00:42:52,902 but unfortunately, this only made me stick out even more at the school. 743 00:42:53,336 --> 00:42:56,573 Your relationships at work were negatively affected 744 00:42:56,707 --> 00:43:00,711 by the fact that you had started to develop this new faith? 745 00:43:00,978 --> 00:43:02,246 Yes. 746 00:43:02,379 --> 00:43:04,615 One could even call it religious persecution. 747 00:43:05,949 --> 00:43:08,818 Did your husband, Ivan, attend this new church with you? 748 00:43:08,952 --> 00:43:11,321 He wasn't interested in going. 749 00:43:11,755 --> 00:43:13,723 He was fine with us attending, 750 00:43:13,856 --> 00:43:18,595 but he wouldn't let us go alone because Volgograd is not a very safe city. 751 00:43:19,496 --> 00:43:23,867 My challenge for you for this week is simply this, 752 00:43:24,601 --> 00:43:25,903 love your neighbor. 753 00:43:26,703 --> 00:43:28,710 Who is your neighbor? 754 00:43:28,872 --> 00:43:31,775 That's everyone you come in contact with, 755 00:43:32,509 --> 00:43:34,278 no matter who they are. 756 00:43:35,846 --> 00:43:39,350 Yes, our world is divided. 757 00:43:41,751 --> 00:43:45,121 Nation fragmented, family torn apart 758 00:43:45,255 --> 00:43:48,920 by opposing political ideologies, 759 00:43:49,425 --> 00:43:52,695 but Romans 15 says 760 00:43:53,529 --> 00:43:59,690 to accept one another as Christ has accepted us, 761 00:44:00,670 --> 00:44:02,372 and John 13 says 762 00:44:03,390 --> 00:44:05,776 to love one another as Christ loved us. 763 00:44:12,480 --> 00:44:15,451 If you can do that for me this week-- 764 00:44:15,585 --> 00:44:22,893 [music] 765 00:44:35,738 --> 00:44:36,806 Papa. 766 00:44:36,940 --> 00:44:38,442 Oh, my angels. 767 00:44:38,575 --> 00:44:41,145 I guess they ran a little late in there today, huh? 768 00:44:41,278 --> 00:44:43,513 Yes, but when are you going to join us? 769 00:44:43,646 --> 00:44:47,160 No, no, I like it out here where I can see the door to the street, 770 00:44:47,150 --> 00:44:49,652 keep an eye on things, make sure everyone is safe. 771 00:44:49,786 --> 00:44:51,754 Like the angels in the Bible. 772 00:44:51,888 --> 00:44:55,292 Ah, but unlike the angels in the Bible, 773 00:44:55,558 --> 00:44:56,760 your papa is real 774 00:44:56,893 --> 00:44:58,295 and he's right here in front of you 775 00:44:58,428 --> 00:45:01,699 where you can see him physically and hug him. 776 00:45:02,532 --> 00:45:03,834 Do it. 777 00:45:04,567 --> 00:45:05,969 You too, do it. 778 00:45:06,102 --> 00:45:07,704 You know, there is a chair in the sanctuary 779 00:45:07,837 --> 00:45:08,905 next to the girls' 780 00:45:09,380 --> 00:45:10,373 with your name on it. 781 00:45:10,540 --> 00:45:11,909 Oh, thank you. 782 00:45:12,420 --> 00:45:13,543 This bench is comfortable enough for me. 783 00:45:13,676 --> 00:45:16,613 Then I will set it in the front row next Sunday. 784 00:45:16,947 --> 00:45:18,382 Nice try, my friend. 785 00:45:18,515 --> 00:45:19,716 Who's ready for lunch? 786 00:45:19,849 --> 00:45:21,417 -Me. -Me too. 787 00:45:21,551 --> 00:45:23,870 And me three. 788 00:45:23,686 --> 00:45:25,122 Okay, let's go. 789 00:45:25,889 --> 00:45:27,390 I'm sorry, Annette. 790 00:45:27,523 --> 00:45:28,792 I'm not going to be able to join you for lunch. 791 00:45:28,925 --> 00:45:30,930 My shift starts soon. 792 00:45:30,227 --> 00:45:31,961 Not even for a quick bite? 793 00:45:32,950 --> 00:45:33,897 Well, if the pastor had finished his service on time, 794 00:45:34,310 --> 00:45:36,132 -maybe I can join you next time. -[mumbles] 795 00:45:36,266 --> 00:45:38,680 -What? -It's true. 796 00:45:38,902 --> 00:45:40,403 -Okay. Goodbye. -Bye. 797 00:45:40,536 --> 00:45:42,139 -Bye, girls. Have a great day. -See you tonight. 798 00:45:42,272 --> 00:45:44,374 -[kissing sounds] -Goodbye, my love. 799 00:45:46,877 --> 00:45:54,184 [music] 800 00:46:17,407 --> 00:46:18,509 Hello there? 801 00:46:20,343 --> 00:46:21,780 Hello. 802 00:46:21,211 --> 00:46:24,314 Are you the Armenian? 803 00:46:26,750 --> 00:46:29,920 Can you believe they let Armenians drive buses these days? 804 00:46:30,530 --> 00:46:31,755 [laughter] 805 00:46:31,988 --> 00:46:34,224 We hear you run from Azerbaijan 806 00:46:34,358 --> 00:46:36,793 because the people weren't very nice there. 807 00:46:36,926 --> 00:46:38,594 [laughter] 808 00:46:38,728 --> 00:46:39,963 Enough. 809 00:46:40,397 --> 00:46:42,499 Oh, he speaks. 810 00:46:44,330 --> 00:46:46,570 Yes, he speaks, 811 00:46:49,172 --> 00:46:50,841 and he carries a hammer. 812 00:46:54,678 --> 00:46:55,979 Now leave me alone. 813 00:46:57,914 --> 00:46:59,850 Not while you're in my country. 814 00:47:01,585 --> 00:47:02,953 It might be your country, 815 00:47:03,653 --> 00:47:06,289 but there is something you all seem to forget. 816 00:47:07,190 --> 00:47:10,994 Enlighten me before I cut you open. 817 00:47:13,997 --> 00:47:18,602 This world has been trying to eradicate Armenians for over 100 years. 818 00:47:19,703 --> 00:47:21,371 We have been stabbed 819 00:47:22,272 --> 00:47:23,440 and shot 820 00:47:24,730 --> 00:47:25,876 and burned alive, 821 00:47:27,176 --> 00:47:29,679 dragged onto death marches. 822 00:47:29,813 --> 00:47:32,148 We survived a genocide, 823 00:47:32,849 --> 00:47:34,618 and yet we are still standing, 824 00:47:36,319 --> 00:47:38,956 but for some reason, you all seem to forget 825 00:47:40,657 --> 00:47:43,260 that a man who has been driven from his home 826 00:47:43,760 --> 00:47:46,363 and stripped of everything he has ever owned 827 00:47:47,697 --> 00:47:49,399 and backed into a corner 828 00:47:50,900 --> 00:47:52,870 has nothing left to lose. 829 00:47:55,872 --> 00:47:58,108 My question to you three is, 830 00:48:00,843 --> 00:48:02,579 what do you have to lose today? 831 00:48:07,918 --> 00:48:10,654 Lighten up, big boy. 832 00:48:13,489 --> 00:48:14,591 See you around. 833 00:48:22,932 --> 00:48:25,602 [thunder strike] 834 00:48:38,215 --> 00:48:40,951 Is this going to be our life forever? 835 00:48:42,652 --> 00:48:45,422 At worst, always looking over our shoulder. 836 00:48:46,623 --> 00:48:50,270 At best, always visitors, never neighbors. 837 00:48:52,962 --> 00:48:56,232 Will we ever be accepted anywhere 838 00:48:56,933 --> 00:48:58,936 till we ever find home again? 839 00:49:00,937 --> 00:49:03,106 The church accepts us. 840 00:49:04,774 --> 00:49:06,760 The church? 841 00:49:07,177 --> 00:49:08,578 Listen to yourself. 842 00:49:10,460 --> 00:49:12,849 Forever it was your duty to communism. 843 00:49:12,982 --> 00:49:14,283 Now it's Christianity. 844 00:49:15,510 --> 00:49:18,254 You're always clinging to some other community out there 845 00:49:18,388 --> 00:49:23,226 when you should be focused on your own family in here. 846 00:49:23,961 --> 00:49:26,960 All I do is think about the family. 847 00:49:29,565 --> 00:49:32,468 I degrade myself every single day at that school 848 00:49:32,602 --> 00:49:35,338 so our family can have a chance at survival. 849 00:49:35,672 --> 00:49:39,743 I bring the girls to church so they can listen to stories of hope, 850 00:49:40,310 --> 00:49:43,713 and I support you, my husband, no matter what you do and believe. 851 00:49:43,846 --> 00:49:47,840 So don't you ever, don't you ever question my duty to it. 852 00:49:47,217 --> 00:49:49,619 I am not questioning your duty to our family. 853 00:49:50,220 --> 00:49:53,457 I just don't want you to put all your hope 854 00:49:54,357 --> 00:49:59,730 into some other cause that's just going to let you down again. 855 00:50:00,830 --> 00:50:04,534 [thunder strike] 856 00:50:06,690 --> 00:50:07,371 Violetta. 857 00:50:09,706 --> 00:50:17,140 [music] 858 00:50:43,239 --> 00:50:44,508 Go in peace 859 00:50:45,175 --> 00:50:46,676 and God be with you. 860 00:50:52,381 --> 00:50:53,883 What else can you fix 861 00:50:54,517 --> 00:50:57,654 or your skill set is limited to door hinges? 862 00:50:59,589 --> 00:51:01,924 No, I can fix many things. 863 00:51:02,910 --> 00:51:05,195 Plumbing, flooring, heating units? 864 00:51:06,290 --> 00:51:07,931 With the right tools, yes. 865 00:51:08,698 --> 00:51:12,335 If you are going to continue to spend time here every week 866 00:51:12,468 --> 00:51:15,138 without joining in our services, 867 00:51:15,405 --> 00:51:17,707 you might as well get paid to be here. 868 00:51:18,241 --> 00:51:19,742 Paid? 869 00:51:19,875 --> 00:51:23,346 What if we employed you part-time to give us a hand? 870 00:51:24,470 --> 00:51:25,515 This building is very old 871 00:51:25,648 --> 00:51:29,486 and it's a lot of things need fixing around here. 872 00:51:31,287 --> 00:51:33,290 Can I ask you a question? 873 00:51:33,756 --> 00:51:34,790 Yes. 874 00:51:35,240 --> 00:51:36,492 You're Russian, correct? 875 00:51:36,692 --> 00:51:38,127 Born and raised. 876 00:51:38,294 --> 00:51:39,796 Why are you so nice to us 877 00:51:40,630 --> 00:51:42,765 when it seems no one else in this country wants us here? 878 00:51:42,899 --> 00:51:44,600 Jesus was a refugee too 879 00:51:45,635 --> 00:51:48,505 and He could also fix a lot of things. 880 00:51:50,730 --> 00:51:51,374 You accept my offer? 881 00:51:55,411 --> 00:51:58,148 Yes, I accept your offer. 882 00:51:59,150 --> 00:52:00,282 What offer? 883 00:52:00,416 --> 00:52:02,718 Ah, I'll let your husband explain. 884 00:52:04,353 --> 00:52:08,591 Dwayne is coming back in a couple of weeks with a team from the States. 885 00:52:09,580 --> 00:52:12,895 Maybe you can lead them on the maintenance projects around here. 886 00:52:13,290 --> 00:52:14,331 I would be happy to. 887 00:52:14,830 --> 00:52:15,765 Great. 888 00:52:16,632 --> 00:52:18,235 -Thank you. -Thank you. 889 00:52:19,902 --> 00:52:20,937 Well? 890 00:52:21,700 --> 00:52:21,971 Well, 891 00:52:22,104 --> 00:52:23,573 it looks like I'm 892 00:52:23,706 --> 00:52:25,275 the new part-time maintenance man for the church. 893 00:52:25,408 --> 00:52:28,445 -Really? -Yes. That is wonderful. 894 00:52:29,112 --> 00:52:30,947 God bless, we could use the money. 895 00:52:31,800 --> 00:52:32,482 How are we doing on time, Ivan? 896 00:52:32,615 --> 00:52:34,250 Soup's on the stove at home. 897 00:52:34,417 --> 00:52:36,352 Seems like someone gave over the message. 898 00:52:36,485 --> 00:52:39,188 I have just under 30 minutes before my shift starts. 899 00:52:39,322 --> 00:52:40,891 Okay. So let's get you fed. 900 00:52:41,240 --> 00:52:43,927 I'm so hungry I could eat two last suppers. 901 00:52:44,961 --> 00:52:49,365 You found a job in education again and your husband found two jobs. 902 00:52:49,499 --> 00:52:52,969 Although, yes, I understand, they weren't in his typical line of work. 903 00:52:53,102 --> 00:52:55,305 Your children found a community at church. 904 00:52:55,438 --> 00:52:56,740 Is that correct? 905 00:52:57,206 --> 00:52:58,107 Yes. 906 00:52:58,240 --> 00:52:59,475 That's wonderful. 907 00:53:00,476 --> 00:53:02,545 Earlier in the trial, your attorney said 908 00:53:02,678 --> 00:53:06,615 that all of these individuals behind me are friends. 909 00:53:06,749 --> 00:53:08,510 Yes. 910 00:53:08,184 --> 00:53:10,419 It's a shame they can't testify on your behalf. 911 00:53:10,553 --> 00:53:11,922 It was really kind of them 912 00:53:12,550 --> 00:53:14,590 to come all the way to DC for your hearing. 913 00:53:14,724 --> 00:53:16,793 They wanted to be here to support us. 914 00:53:16,927 --> 00:53:19,620 Is the church in West Virginia connected 915 00:53:19,196 --> 00:53:21,631 -to your church back in Volgograd? -Yes. 916 00:53:21,765 --> 00:53:24,567 They helped start the church in Volgograd 917 00:53:24,700 --> 00:53:28,238 and continue to make many trips out to volunteer. 918 00:53:28,504 --> 00:53:30,060 Is it fair to say 919 00:53:30,139 --> 00:53:32,909 that the church in West Virginia financially supports 920 00:53:33,430 --> 00:53:34,376 the church back in Volgograd? 921 00:53:34,510 --> 00:53:36,880 Well, yes, they do. 922 00:53:40,283 --> 00:53:43,587 Would you say that communism was like a religion to you? 923 00:53:44,620 --> 00:53:47,257 It used to be, but not anymore. 924 00:53:47,424 --> 00:53:49,759 Now that you've converted to Christianity? 925 00:53:50,860 --> 00:53:51,761 Yes. 926 00:53:51,895 --> 00:53:52,996 I'm a Christian now. 927 00:53:54,730 --> 00:53:56,466 That's convenient, isn't it? 928 00:53:56,666 --> 00:53:58,468 Now that you've left communism behind, 929 00:53:58,601 --> 00:54:01,338 would you say that you're a capitalist as well? 930 00:54:02,571 --> 00:54:04,273 No system is perfect, 931 00:54:04,407 --> 00:54:08,177 but I can say, firsthand, that capitalism is a better option 932 00:54:08,311 --> 00:54:10,460 But wasn't it your Jesus who said 933 00:54:10,179 --> 00:54:13,215 that it was easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle 934 00:54:13,416 --> 00:54:15,451 than for a rich man to get into heaven? 935 00:54:16,118 --> 00:54:20,923 Mrs. Petrosyan, it seems like you're just a bit all over the place. 936 00:54:21,157 --> 00:54:23,259 You move to Russia, 937 00:54:23,392 --> 00:54:26,463 and you tell your new communist employers that you are also indeed a communist. 938 00:54:26,596 --> 00:54:28,497 Then you move your family to the United States, 939 00:54:28,631 --> 00:54:30,133 and you convert to a religion 940 00:54:30,266 --> 00:54:33,102 that seems, at least to me, to be a bit anti-capitalist, 941 00:54:33,235 --> 00:54:36,539 despite your newfound acceptance of capitalism. 942 00:54:36,706 --> 00:54:38,775 From my perspective, 943 00:54:38,908 --> 00:54:41,978 I am standing in front of a woman who doesn't seem to know herself. 944 00:54:42,112 --> 00:54:43,813 Someone who lacks conviction. 945 00:54:43,947 --> 00:54:47,617 Someone who will take whatever better path is in front of her 946 00:54:47,750 --> 00:54:49,452 whenever she pleases. 947 00:54:49,585 --> 00:54:54,900 The difference between who I was and who I am now 948 00:54:54,490 --> 00:54:56,759 is that I finally made a choice. 949 00:54:57,193 --> 00:54:58,727 I was born into communism. 950 00:54:58,861 --> 00:55:00,797 I was born an Armenian in Azerbaijan, 951 00:55:00,930 --> 00:55:03,800 and both my country and communism failed me. 952 00:55:03,933 --> 00:55:06,135 They left my people to die in the streets. 953 00:55:06,268 --> 00:55:08,905 They left us without the chance to better our lives. 954 00:55:09,380 --> 00:55:11,708 I did not have a choice what I was born into, 955 00:55:14,410 --> 00:55:19,816 but I chose Jesus, I chose Christianity, and I choose this country. 956 00:55:24,820 --> 00:55:30,459 When the United States government offers asylum and a path to citizenship, 957 00:55:30,593 --> 00:55:33,262 it is usually because of one or two reasons. 958 00:55:33,396 --> 00:55:39,536 One, you and your family are in imminent danger of being killed, 959 00:55:40,020 --> 00:55:41,637 or two, 960 00:55:41,804 --> 00:55:45,475 you face religious persecution at such an insufferable rate 961 00:55:45,675 --> 00:55:49,440 it becomes impossible to stay in your home country. 962 00:55:49,178 --> 00:55:52,948 It doesn't sound like you will be in any imminent danger 963 00:55:53,820 --> 00:55:54,617 if you return to Russia, 964 00:55:54,751 --> 00:55:56,419 and I don't believe you were ever seriously threatened 965 00:55:56,553 --> 00:55:58,421 for your new found Christian beliefs. 966 00:55:58,554 --> 00:56:01,724 Maybe you were treated a little differently in the workplace, 967 00:56:01,857 --> 00:56:04,930 experienced a bit of harassment, 968 00:56:04,794 --> 00:56:07,864 but no one ever laid a hand on you. 969 00:56:10,200 --> 00:56:13,736 Just because no one laid a hand on me yet doesn't mean it won't happen. 970 00:56:13,869 --> 00:56:16,439 The threat is always there, 971 00:56:16,773 --> 00:56:20,643 not just for me and my husband, but for our girls too. 972 00:56:21,344 --> 00:56:22,878 I can tell you as a parent 973 00:56:23,120 --> 00:56:26,515 that that fear is the greatest threat of them all. 974 00:56:26,749 --> 00:56:28,818 My girls are safe here. 975 00:56:28,984 --> 00:56:30,286 They are happy. 976 00:56:30,419 --> 00:56:32,889 I can help them build a better life for themselves here. 977 00:56:33,389 --> 00:56:34,691 Do you understand? 978 00:56:36,359 --> 00:56:38,194 Do you have children, Ms. Whitlaw? 979 00:56:38,995 --> 00:56:41,798 I'm not the one on the stand, Mrs. Petrosyan. 980 00:56:42,565 --> 00:56:43,933 None of the evidence 981 00:56:44,660 --> 00:56:45,768 that you've provided today convinces me 982 00:56:45,901 --> 00:56:47,737 that your life in Russia would be any different 983 00:56:47,870 --> 00:56:49,605 than your life here in America. 984 00:56:49,772 --> 00:56:51,407 With all due respect, Ms. Whitlaw, 985 00:56:51,541 --> 00:56:54,430 why don't you go put on a dark wig and dark eye contacts 986 00:56:54,176 --> 00:56:56,646 and slap a dark tan on that light skin of yours, 987 00:56:56,780 --> 00:56:59,949 and you go to Russia, and you tell me how you are treated? 988 00:57:02,285 --> 00:57:03,686 No more questions, Your Honor. 989 00:57:03,820 --> 00:57:06,550 You may take your seat, Mrs. Petrosyan. 990 00:57:06,956 --> 00:57:10,930 I'd like to call Ivan Petrosyan to the stand next. 991 00:57:13,596 --> 00:57:15,980 Please raise your right hand. 992 00:57:15,231 --> 00:57:17,660 Do you solemnly swear 993 00:57:17,199 --> 00:57:18,601 to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, 994 00:57:18,734 --> 00:57:20,369 -so help you God? -Yes, I do. 995 00:57:20,503 --> 00:57:22,572 You may be seated, Mr. Petrosyan. 996 00:57:25,208 --> 00:57:27,143 According to your wife's testimony, 997 00:57:27,276 --> 00:57:29,450 you and your family experienced 998 00:57:29,178 --> 00:57:32,849 certain levels of racism and harassment in Russia. 999 00:57:32,982 --> 00:57:34,830 Is that correct? 1000 00:57:34,250 --> 00:57:35,684 Yes, that's correct. 1001 00:57:36,585 --> 00:57:41,900 People in every country experience racism and harassment, 1002 00:57:41,224 --> 00:57:42,558 including this one, 1003 00:57:42,692 --> 00:57:44,930 doesn't mean they should be granted asylum 1004 00:57:44,226 --> 00:57:46,950 every time things get a little bit difficult. 1005 00:57:46,229 --> 00:57:47,664 I understand. 1006 00:57:48,197 --> 00:57:49,499 Were you 1007 00:57:50,366 --> 00:57:51,500 or your family 1008 00:57:52,168 --> 00:57:56,390 ever victims of direct acts of Violence? 1009 00:57:59,909 --> 00:58:01,211 Mr. Petrosyan? 1010 00:58:02,440 --> 00:58:03,145 Yes. 1011 00:58:03,312 --> 00:58:05,810 Did you hear my question? 1012 00:58:07,950 --> 00:58:09,520 Yes. 1013 00:58:16,826 --> 00:58:18,862 May I go to the bathroom, please? 1014 00:58:20,562 --> 00:58:21,530 Can it wait? 1015 00:58:21,663 --> 00:58:22,765 No, it can't wait. 1016 00:58:23,432 --> 00:58:25,601 The court will take a five-minute recess. 1017 00:58:25,735 --> 00:58:27,360 [bangs gavel] 1018 00:59:37,720 --> 00:59:39,080 -Pops. -Hello, my angels. 1019 00:59:39,141 --> 00:59:40,809 Olga, can you put your coat on, please? 1020 00:59:40,943 --> 00:59:42,178 -Okay. -Hello, darling. 1021 00:59:42,312 --> 00:59:44,130 -Mm. -How many spare rubles you have? 1022 00:59:44,146 --> 00:59:46,182 -Spare? None. -Well, how many rubles do you have on you? 1023 00:59:46,315 --> 00:59:47,517 What for? 1024 00:59:47,650 --> 00:59:49,218 Don't worry. It will be worth it. 1025 00:59:51,420 --> 00:59:52,655 What are you doing? 1026 00:59:52,789 --> 00:59:54,591 Don't worry. Help your mother. Olga. 1027 00:59:55,758 --> 00:59:57,693 Are you going to tell me what's going on? 1028 00:59:57,827 --> 00:59:59,596 -No. Bye. -Bye. 1029 01:00:01,597 --> 01:00:04,100 Okay, look straight. Look straight. Don't peek. 1030 01:00:04,233 --> 01:00:06,469 -What are you doing, Papa? -You'll see. You'll see. 1031 01:00:06,602 --> 01:00:07,904 Cover your eyes. 1032 01:00:08,471 --> 01:00:09,772 Cover it. 1033 01:00:10,272 --> 01:00:11,307 Okay. 1034 01:00:13,375 --> 01:00:14,377 Ready, 1035 01:00:14,510 --> 01:00:15,945 and open. 1036 01:00:16,445 --> 01:00:18,948 -My monkey. -[laughs] Can you believe it? 1037 01:00:19,148 --> 01:00:21,651 He came all the way here just to be with you. 1038 01:00:21,984 --> 01:00:23,252 Love you, monkey. 1039 01:00:23,386 --> 01:00:24,787 I love you, monkey. 1040 01:00:25,654 --> 01:00:26,622 Love you, Papa. 1041 01:00:26,755 --> 01:00:27,856 Aw. Okay. 1042 01:00:27,990 --> 01:00:29,625 He took very good care of him. 1043 01:00:29,759 --> 01:00:33,930 So let's pay him so we can show monkey our new home, huh? 1044 01:00:42,571 --> 01:00:44,730 Hello, my Armenian friend. 1045 01:00:44,206 --> 01:00:47,309 I thought you said your stay in Volgograd was temporary. 1046 01:00:47,710 --> 01:00:51,147 It is temporary just until things calm down back home. 1047 01:00:51,447 --> 01:00:52,548 I don't like liars. 1048 01:00:52,682 --> 01:00:54,150 I'm not lying. 1049 01:00:54,283 --> 01:00:56,850 -Are you planning to buy that doll? -Of course. 1050 01:00:56,285 --> 01:01:00,550 I have the money right here, and I have my papers. 1051 01:01:00,189 --> 01:01:02,225 We don't need to see your papers. 1052 01:01:04,593 --> 01:01:06,362 Did you steal that money? 1053 01:01:08,531 --> 01:01:09,832 Of course not. 1054 01:01:10,466 --> 01:01:11,566 I have a job. 1055 01:01:11,700 --> 01:01:12,768 Ah. 1056 01:01:13,469 --> 01:01:16,305 So you took a job from a hardworking Russian 1057 01:01:16,672 --> 01:01:19,942 and put him and his family out into the street? 1058 01:01:20,676 --> 01:01:22,278 No. 1059 01:01:22,412 --> 01:01:25,848 This is a donation for the hardworking families of Russia. 1060 01:01:27,616 --> 01:01:29,518 Please, don't do this. 1061 01:01:29,818 --> 01:01:31,654 We can arrest you for stealing. 1062 01:01:32,880 --> 01:01:33,789 But I haven't stolen anything. 1063 01:01:34,256 --> 01:01:37,193 You can't purchase that doll without any money, 1064 01:01:37,894 --> 01:01:40,763 so it seems you're planning to steal. 1065 01:01:42,465 --> 01:01:44,467 Okay. I understand. 1066 01:01:45,367 --> 01:01:46,502 I'll put it back. 1067 01:01:46,635 --> 01:01:48,204 -No, he's mine. -We have to-- 1068 01:01:48,337 --> 01:01:49,706 Sorry, my Angel. 1069 01:01:49,839 --> 01:01:51,373 -We have to put him back. -You promised. 1070 01:01:51,507 --> 01:01:53,760 I know, my Angel. I'm sorry. Papa made a bad mistake. 1071 01:01:53,209 --> 01:01:54,877 -Okay, please? Let go of the monkey. -No. 1072 01:01:55,100 --> 01:01:56,678 -Shut her up now or we will. -Give me one sec. 1073 01:01:56,812 --> 01:01:58,247 You have one second 1074 01:01:58,381 --> 01:02:00,249 -to get this shrilling rat out of here Okay. 1075 01:02:00,382 --> 01:02:02,551 -I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. -before I stomp 1076 01:02:02,684 --> 01:02:04,954 -Go. -[yelling] 1077 01:02:13,596 --> 01:02:15,998 I'll repeat the question, Mr. Petrosyan. 1078 01:02:16,532 --> 01:02:20,836 Were you or your family ever victims of direct acts of violence? 1079 01:02:21,690 --> 01:02:23,172 It's an easy question, Mr. Petrosyan. 1080 01:02:23,372 --> 01:02:26,420 Were you or your family ever shot with a gun? 1081 01:02:26,542 --> 01:02:27,510 No. 1082 01:02:27,643 --> 01:02:28,710 -Stabbed? -No. 1083 01:02:28,844 --> 01:02:30,146 Beaten? 1084 01:02:31,647 --> 01:02:32,781 No. 1085 01:02:33,215 --> 01:02:35,184 Then you and your family were never victims 1086 01:02:35,317 --> 01:02:37,420 of direct acts of violence? 1087 01:02:42,925 --> 01:02:48,498 Somehow, by the grace of God, no. 1088 01:02:51,867 --> 01:02:53,169 Okay. 1089 01:02:54,690 --> 01:02:55,771 Your Honor, 1090 01:02:55,905 --> 01:02:58,174 I would like to speak with the Petrosyan's lawyer privately. 1091 01:02:58,307 --> 01:02:59,408 I have an offer. 1092 01:03:00,080 --> 01:03:01,310 10 minutes. 1093 01:03:01,510 --> 01:03:02,812 [bangs gavel] 1094 01:03:10,118 --> 01:03:12,154 I'm not sure but it could be a good thing. 1095 01:03:12,287 --> 01:03:15,224 Doesn't mean she won't blow it up, but let's see. 1096 01:03:16,192 --> 01:03:17,726 Okay, let's hear it. 1097 01:03:17,860 --> 01:03:21,663 Mr. and Mrs. Petrosyan, I empathize with your plight. 1098 01:03:21,997 --> 01:03:24,901 You may not believe me, but I do. 1099 01:03:25,500 --> 01:03:26,735 That being said, 1100 01:03:27,169 --> 01:03:29,806 nothing I've heard in this courtroom convinces me 1101 01:03:29,939 --> 01:03:31,674 that you're going to qualify for asylum. 1102 01:03:31,807 --> 01:03:35,844 I know this judge and he sticks to the letter of the law. 1103 01:03:36,780 --> 01:03:37,612 I think you and your girls 1104 01:03:37,746 --> 01:03:40,382 are going to be on a plane back to Russia tomorrow. 1105 01:03:41,117 --> 01:03:44,820 But I am willing to make you a deal, 1106 01:03:45,587 --> 01:03:49,692 a special status called withholding of removal. 1107 01:03:49,825 --> 01:03:51,194 That means 1108 01:03:51,327 --> 01:03:53,262 there will be no more threat of deportation. 1109 01:03:53,596 --> 01:03:54,864 But? 1110 01:03:55,598 --> 01:03:58,601 But it means no asylum, 1111 01:03:58,767 --> 01:04:00,302 no petition 1112 01:04:00,436 --> 01:04:02,571 to bring additional family members to this country 1113 01:04:02,804 --> 01:04:04,673 and no path to citizenship. 1114 01:04:04,807 --> 01:04:06,408 It also means 1115 01:04:06,542 --> 01:04:10,450 that should circumstances change in Russia or Azerbaijan, 1116 01:04:10,279 --> 01:04:13,148 the United States government, at its sole discretion, 1117 01:04:13,282 --> 01:04:15,117 can send you back to either country. 1118 01:04:15,250 --> 01:04:16,518 Do you understand? 1119 01:04:16,651 --> 01:04:18,353 Wait, what? 1120 01:04:18,587 --> 01:04:20,589 If we accept this offer 1121 01:04:20,723 --> 01:04:24,260 and then we settle into a new life here with new jobs and schools, a home, 1122 01:04:24,159 --> 01:04:29,640 you could just send us back whenever, even 5 or 10, 20 years from now? 1123 01:04:29,298 --> 01:04:32,000 If conditions improve in your home country. 1124 01:04:32,234 --> 01:04:34,469 No, absolutely not. That will not work. 1125 01:04:34,669 --> 01:04:36,271 Violetta, listen. 1126 01:04:36,405 --> 01:04:38,541 I represent more families than I can count right now. 1127 01:04:38,674 --> 01:04:42,444 Some of them with conditions far worse than yours. 1128 01:04:42,811 --> 01:04:44,246 I think you should consider it. 1129 01:04:44,380 --> 01:04:46,381 No, absolutely not. Right? 1130 01:04:46,515 --> 01:04:48,650 How can we be expected to build a life 1131 01:04:48,784 --> 01:04:50,652 when we don't know from one day to the next, 1132 01:04:50,786 --> 01:04:53,688 if tomorrow is the day we will be pulled from our homes 1133 01:04:53,822 --> 01:04:54,890 and sent right back? 1134 01:04:55,524 --> 01:04:57,726 From my perspective, this is a win for you. 1135 01:04:57,860 --> 01:04:59,161 No, it isn't. 1136 01:05:00,996 --> 01:05:02,331 I agree. 1137 01:05:02,565 --> 01:05:05,670 We can't live with this level of uncertainty. 1138 01:05:05,434 --> 01:05:08,637 If it is meant to be, the judge will grant us favor today. 1139 01:05:08,904 --> 01:05:10,573 You're both making a mistake. 1140 01:05:12,675 --> 01:05:14,090 Let's finish this hearing. 1141 01:05:14,143 --> 01:05:15,578 Okay, then we're not done. 1142 01:05:15,711 --> 01:05:16,678 See you on the stand. 1143 01:05:16,811 --> 01:05:21,383 [footsteps fading] 1144 01:05:21,517 --> 01:05:23,919 When the prodigal son returned home, 1145 01:05:24,386 --> 01:05:28,957 the father gave him a robe, a ring, and sandals. 1146 01:05:29,291 --> 01:05:31,460 The robe stands for honor, 1147 01:05:32,227 --> 01:05:34,964 the ring for authority, 1148 01:05:35,531 --> 01:05:40,636 and the sandals were a reminder that he was a member of the family. 1149 01:05:41,870 --> 01:05:44,373 That's what God wants to give us, 1150 01:05:44,773 --> 01:05:46,908 no matter where we are in life. 1151 01:05:47,175 --> 01:05:49,445 The true emphasis in this story 1152 01:05:49,912 --> 01:05:51,947 is not on the prodigal son 1153 01:05:52,314 --> 01:05:55,650 and what he went through on his journey of coming home, 1154 01:05:56,284 --> 01:05:59,622 but the emphasis is instead on the Father. 1155 01:06:00,389 --> 01:06:02,570 He wants us to come home 1156 01:06:02,758 --> 01:06:07,829 because he wants nothing more than just to be with us. 1157 01:06:07,963 --> 01:06:15,271 [music] 1158 01:06:20,642 --> 01:06:22,111 -Hello? -Hi. 1159 01:06:26,582 --> 01:06:29,180 Mr. Dwayne, you don't have to do this. 1160 01:06:30,752 --> 01:06:31,753 Good. 1161 01:06:31,887 --> 01:06:33,121 It's what I'm here for. 1162 01:06:33,355 --> 01:06:34,991 I don't understand you. 1163 01:06:35,791 --> 01:06:36,892 Any of you actually. 1164 01:06:37,250 --> 01:06:38,360 What do you mean? 1165 01:06:38,494 --> 01:06:40,929 You could be home or somewhere in comfort, 1166 01:06:41,263 --> 01:06:44,866 but you all decided to come here to Volgograd 1167 01:06:45,767 --> 01:06:49,972 to serve total strangers in the middle of nowhere. 1168 01:06:50,439 --> 01:06:53,242 Yes, I suppose we could. 1169 01:07:02,250 --> 01:07:03,418 Who are we to you? 1170 01:07:03,685 --> 01:07:05,688 No one is forcing you to be here. 1171 01:07:09,357 --> 01:07:11,260 Well, I can't speak for the others. 1172 01:07:11,427 --> 01:07:13,950 I was brought up in New York. 1173 01:07:13,328 --> 01:07:15,130 It's where I grew up. 1174 01:07:15,364 --> 01:07:18,801 Then I was given a scholarship to play football in West Virginia. 1175 01:07:19,802 --> 01:07:21,437 Total fish out of water, 1176 01:07:22,304 --> 01:07:24,673 homesick all the time. 1177 01:07:26,208 --> 01:07:32,514 When I was over there, I met this incredible woman, Charlotte. 1178 01:07:33,215 --> 01:07:37,586 Whenever I was with her, it felt like home. 1179 01:07:39,988 --> 01:07:41,557 Eventually, we got married. 1180 01:07:41,857 --> 01:07:43,125 Happiest day of my life. 1181 01:07:43,692 --> 01:07:47,696 The first time Charlotte got pregnant, she had a miscarriage. 1182 01:07:49,498 --> 01:07:52,534 You think one miscarriage is enough to rip your heart out? 1183 01:07:52,667 --> 01:07:53,769 Try three more. 1184 01:07:55,370 --> 01:07:56,772 I'm so sorry, my friend. 1185 01:07:57,906 --> 01:08:01,109 They found a very aggressive form of ovarian cancer. 1186 01:08:01,810 --> 01:08:06,148 Less than six months later, she was just gone. 1187 01:08:07,116 --> 01:08:10,385 I raged at God for many years. 1188 01:08:10,885 --> 01:08:13,388 I did many things 1189 01:08:14,122 --> 01:08:16,591 that I'm very, very ashamed of, 1190 01:08:17,192 --> 01:08:19,194 but one Sunday morning, 1191 01:08:19,394 --> 01:08:21,463 I stumbled into some church, 1192 01:08:21,796 --> 01:08:22,797 and the pastor, 1193 01:08:22,931 --> 01:08:24,433 he was preaching a sermon 1194 01:08:24,566 --> 01:08:27,836 about what a new life in Christ could look like. 1195 01:08:28,270 --> 01:08:29,638 At the end of the service, 1196 01:08:29,905 --> 01:08:31,807 he said they were looking for volunteers 1197 01:08:31,940 --> 01:08:34,910 to help out with a new church they started in Russia. 1198 01:08:35,611 --> 01:08:39,140 Every single time that I come back here, 1199 01:08:39,481 --> 01:08:44,220 that pain in my heart eases up just a little bit. 1200 01:08:45,454 --> 01:08:47,255 I don't know if it'll ever go away, 1201 01:08:47,389 --> 01:08:51,427 but this is where I'm meant to be right now. 1202 01:08:57,866 --> 01:08:58,967 Here. 1203 01:08:59,100 --> 01:09:00,836 I'll help you finish my job. 1204 01:09:00,970 --> 01:09:03,239 [laughs] Let's get this done. 1205 01:09:06,108 --> 01:09:13,382 [music] 1206 01:10:24,987 --> 01:10:27,550 Okay, keep them closed. 1207 01:10:27,355 --> 01:10:29,858 Now I know this is not your monkey, 1208 01:10:30,920 --> 01:10:32,995 but open. 1209 01:10:34,329 --> 01:10:35,798 I love him, Papa. 1210 01:10:35,931 --> 01:10:37,233 Thank you. 1211 01:10:38,233 --> 01:10:39,969 Opa. 1212 01:10:43,639 --> 01:10:44,740 Aw. 1213 01:10:46,541 --> 01:10:48,676 -Now you've heard this. -Yes, I understand. 1214 01:10:48,810 --> 01:10:51,780 -It's complicated. -Hey, can I ask you guys something? 1215 01:10:51,913 --> 01:10:53,150 What's that? 1216 01:10:54,516 --> 01:10:56,552 How would you like to come to West Virginia, 1217 01:10:56,685 --> 01:10:58,754 meet the church, share your story? 1218 01:10:59,487 --> 01:11:00,923 Come to America? 1219 01:11:01,390 --> 01:11:02,457 Yes. 1220 01:11:02,591 --> 01:11:04,627 You, Ivan, and the girls. 1221 01:11:05,727 --> 01:11:08,563 What do you mean, share our story? 1222 01:11:08,964 --> 01:11:11,199 If the folks back home could meet you, 1223 01:11:11,700 --> 01:11:13,234 learn about your journey, 1224 01:11:13,935 --> 01:11:16,438 see the impact that this place has had on you, 1225 01:11:16,704 --> 01:11:19,741 they'd see the benefits of their own financial support. 1226 01:11:20,875 --> 01:11:25,414 [chuckles] I'm not very good at public speaking. 1227 01:11:25,547 --> 01:11:27,482 Violetta can do all the speaking. 1228 01:11:27,816 --> 01:11:28,917 Me? 1229 01:11:33,621 --> 01:11:34,656 What do you think? 1230 01:11:34,789 --> 01:11:37,260 So you were invited to America? 1231 01:11:38,359 --> 01:11:39,761 That's correct. 1232 01:11:40,280 --> 01:11:41,996 So it wasn't a premeditated decision on your part 1233 01:11:42,130 --> 01:11:45,233 to just leave Russia behind and settle in the United States? 1234 01:11:45,366 --> 01:11:46,801 No, of course not. 1235 01:11:47,168 --> 01:11:51,306 If I were to ask members of your church the same question, 1236 01:11:51,606 --> 01:11:53,709 would they give me the same answer under oath? 1237 01:11:53,842 --> 01:11:55,778 They're right there behind you. 1238 01:11:56,178 --> 01:11:57,446 You should question them. 1239 01:11:58,213 --> 01:12:01,316 They will tell you, we only packed our bags for one week. 1240 01:12:01,449 --> 01:12:02,984 Hurry, we don't want to be late. 1241 01:12:03,118 --> 01:12:05,587 Will we get to meet Mickey Mouse when we're in America? 1242 01:12:05,721 --> 01:12:08,523 -Not on this trip, My Angel. -What about Michael Jordan? 1243 01:12:08,656 --> 01:12:11,527 I don't think Michael Jordan lives in West Virginia. 1244 01:12:12,160 --> 01:12:13,795 -Oh, no. -What? 1245 01:12:14,290 --> 01:12:15,563 I forgot my teddy bear. 1246 01:12:16,640 --> 01:12:17,466 Oh, not again. 1247 01:12:17,666 --> 01:12:19,668 -Are you serious? -We have to go back and get it. 1248 01:12:19,802 --> 01:12:21,837 No, no, no. All of you get inside the taxi. 1249 01:12:21,970 --> 01:12:24,440 I will run back and get it. We're not going through this again. 1250 01:12:24,573 --> 01:12:26,174 -Make it quick. -Go, go, go. 1251 01:12:26,308 --> 01:12:33,582 [music] 1252 01:12:56,338 --> 01:12:58,306 Hey, looking for me? 1253 01:12:58,440 --> 01:13:05,748 [music] 1254 01:13:40,181 --> 01:13:41,216 You okay? 1255 01:13:41,616 --> 01:13:42,551 Here you go. 1256 01:13:42,684 --> 01:13:44,118 Thank you, Papa. 1257 01:13:44,252 --> 01:13:45,554 We should go. 1258 01:13:52,827 --> 01:13:54,730 I became tired of running. 1259 01:13:57,650 --> 01:13:59,401 It wasn't until we actually landed in America 1260 01:13:59,534 --> 01:14:00,768 that I began to wonder 1261 01:14:01,536 --> 01:14:04,873 what our lives could be like if we actually settled here. 1262 01:14:06,808 --> 01:14:08,777 I just wanted my family to live in a place 1263 01:14:08,910 --> 01:14:11,879 where they could rest their heads at night in peace. 1264 01:14:12,313 --> 01:14:15,216 Where we're not constantly looking over our shoulder, 1265 01:14:15,850 --> 01:14:18,987 always reminded that we will never be accepted. 1266 01:14:19,621 --> 01:14:21,220 Mr. Petrosyan, 1267 01:14:21,356 --> 01:14:24,993 when someone comes to the US and overstays their visa, 1268 01:14:25,593 --> 01:14:26,795 that is illegal. 1269 01:14:28,396 --> 01:14:32,267 We only overstayed our visa because the asylum process took so long. 1270 01:14:32,400 --> 01:14:33,368 You broke the law. 1271 01:14:33,501 --> 01:14:35,030 Pure and simple. 1272 01:14:35,136 --> 01:14:36,805 If we broke the law, we certainly didn't mean to. 1273 01:14:36,938 --> 01:14:39,308 Whether you meant to or not, 1274 01:14:39,441 --> 01:14:42,711 breaking US law is not a great first step towards seeking asylum. 1275 01:14:42,844 --> 01:14:45,546 My family has waited so long for this day to come, 1276 01:14:46,147 --> 01:14:49,251 to be in this room to share our story. 1277 01:14:51,553 --> 01:14:53,550 Thank you for hearing us. 1278 01:14:56,124 --> 01:14:57,959 No further questions, Your Honor. 1279 01:14:58,159 --> 01:15:00,696 Mr. Petrosyan, you can take your seat now. 1280 01:15:06,534 --> 01:15:09,571 I'll allow the attorneys to present your closing arguments. 1281 01:15:09,704 --> 01:15:12,407 We're behind schedule, so keep it brief. 1282 01:15:12,707 --> 01:15:14,209 Counsel Owens, you're up. 1283 01:15:14,976 --> 01:15:16,511 Thank you, Your Honor. 1284 01:15:16,645 --> 01:15:18,480 I will not take up much of your time here. 1285 01:15:18,613 --> 01:15:21,616 I believe the Petrosyans' testimony today speaks for itself. 1286 01:15:22,517 --> 01:15:26,455 They have endured way more than any of us could ever imagine. 1287 01:15:27,220 --> 01:15:30,258 They faced rejection in every new place they stopped. 1288 01:15:30,725 --> 01:15:32,160 They were not accepted. 1289 01:15:32,461 --> 01:15:36,264 They still face constant threat and insult back in Russia. 1290 01:15:36,430 --> 01:15:37,432 Most importantly, 1291 01:15:38,660 --> 01:15:41,503 they have not known peace in a very long time, 1292 01:15:41,836 --> 01:15:43,371 the kind of peace 1293 01:15:43,505 --> 01:15:45,573 that all of us in this room just take for granted. 1294 01:15:46,730 --> 01:15:48,676 All that Mr. and Mrs. Petrosyan are asking of us 1295 01:15:48,810 --> 01:15:50,478 is that we give them a chance 1296 01:15:50,912 --> 01:15:56,652 to finally settle into a place where they are accepted for who they are. 1297 01:15:57,285 --> 01:15:58,954 A safe place 1298 01:15:59,870 --> 01:16:00,889 where they can raise their daughters without having to worry 1299 01:16:01,220 --> 01:16:03,191 about the dangers lurking around every corner, 1300 01:16:03,325 --> 01:16:04,726 sometimes literally. 1301 01:16:05,493 --> 01:16:10,699 A life lived without constant fear should be the most basic human right. 1302 01:16:11,532 --> 01:16:12,767 In light of that, 1303 01:16:13,735 --> 01:16:16,838 I ask the court to rule in their favor 1304 01:16:17,339 --> 01:16:20,976 and grant the Petrosyan family asylum today. 1305 01:16:22,177 --> 01:16:23,278 Thank you. 1306 01:16:25,580 --> 01:16:26,615 Counselor Whitlaw. 1307 01:16:26,748 --> 01:16:28,116 Thank you, Your Honor. 1308 01:16:29,984 --> 01:16:34,155 Mr. and Mrs. Petrosyan, I believe your story. 1309 01:16:34,856 --> 01:16:39,193 I don't deny that they face challenges, 1310 01:16:39,494 --> 01:16:42,597 but the Petrosyan story has done very little 1311 01:16:42,731 --> 01:16:44,399 to prove 1312 01:16:44,532 --> 01:16:49,671 that they face imminent danger of life-threatening violence 1313 01:16:50,380 --> 01:16:51,940 if they return to Russia. 1314 01:16:52,540 --> 01:16:53,875 To the contrary, 1315 01:16:54,175 --> 01:16:57,279 they have shown that they have an intimate community 1316 01:16:57,412 --> 01:17:01,350 of friends and family, and church members in Russia. 1317 01:17:02,417 --> 01:17:03,684 Therefore, 1318 01:17:04,510 --> 01:17:08,223 I ask the court to deny this asylum claim today. 1319 01:17:10,625 --> 01:17:11,827 Enough. 1320 01:17:12,394 --> 01:17:13,461 No, it's okay. 1321 01:17:13,595 --> 01:17:14,695 It's not okay. 1322 01:17:14,895 --> 01:17:16,564 I've heard enough. 1323 01:17:16,697 --> 01:17:18,967 Mr. Petrosyan, please sit down, you had your chance to speak. 1324 01:17:19,100 --> 01:17:21,803 Haven't you heard anything we've said here today? 1325 01:17:22,437 --> 01:17:23,838 How much will it take? 1326 01:17:24,238 --> 01:17:27,943 How much more must we endure for you to think it's enough? 1327 01:17:28,760 --> 01:17:30,444 Mr. Petrosyan, please. 1328 01:17:30,578 --> 01:17:32,614 It's in here all the time, 1329 01:17:32,748 --> 01:17:35,549 everyday voices saying, "Watch your back. 1330 01:17:35,716 --> 01:17:37,786 You don't belong here. Go home." 1331 01:17:37,919 --> 01:17:40,540 Where is home? Where is it? 1332 01:17:40,188 --> 01:17:42,570 Where is supposed to be home? 1333 01:17:42,190 --> 01:17:43,859 Okay, okay. 1334 01:17:47,496 --> 01:17:49,331 We'll take a 15-minute recess, 1335 01:17:49,464 --> 01:17:52,200 and then I will come back and read my judgment. 1336 01:17:52,334 --> 01:17:53,435 [bangs gavel] 1337 01:17:55,970 --> 01:17:57,605 What if the judge denies us? 1338 01:17:57,939 --> 01:17:59,708 -We can't go back. -I know. 1339 01:18:00,410 --> 01:18:02,544 I refuse to bring our girls back to that place. 1340 01:18:02,677 --> 01:18:04,120 It's out of our hands, Ivan. 1341 01:18:04,146 --> 01:18:06,113 Why don't I give the two of you a minute? 1342 01:18:06,247 --> 01:18:08,683 -No, they deserve a good life. -I know. 1343 01:18:08,817 --> 01:18:10,919 We have to give them a chance. 1344 01:18:11,786 --> 01:18:13,688 If it is meant to be, it'll be. 1345 01:18:13,822 --> 01:18:15,323 If not, 1346 01:18:15,456 --> 01:18:17,426 we'll give them the best life we can offer them. 1347 01:18:18,860 --> 01:18:20,762 I want them in the courtroom with us. 1348 01:18:21,262 --> 01:18:23,298 -No, Violet. We said Ivan, please. 1349 01:18:23,431 --> 01:18:25,366 No matter what the judge decides, 1350 01:18:26,000 --> 01:18:28,236 we should be together as a family. 1351 01:18:29,504 --> 01:18:30,438 Okay. 1352 01:18:30,572 --> 01:18:32,400 If that's what you want. 1353 01:18:36,577 --> 01:18:39,130 Do you guys want to go in the courtroom with us? 1354 01:18:39,147 --> 01:18:41,282 We're going to find out where home is. 1355 01:18:41,716 --> 01:18:43,180 All rise. 1356 01:18:49,790 --> 01:18:51,930 You may be seated. 1357 01:18:56,631 --> 01:18:59,334 The court found this to be a very tough case. 1358 01:19:01,502 --> 01:19:04,405 Counselor Whitlaw, you made a very strong case. 1359 01:19:04,539 --> 01:19:05,840 I commend your work here. 1360 01:19:06,400 --> 01:19:07,475 Mr. and Mrs. Petrosyan, 1361 01:19:08,209 --> 01:19:10,244 you've been through a great deal, 1362 01:19:10,678 --> 01:19:12,514 there is no denying it. 1363 01:19:14,480 --> 01:19:15,484 I have to admit 1364 01:19:16,952 --> 01:19:19,120 I've seen a lot of people come through here. 1365 01:19:19,554 --> 01:19:23,891 Some of them have experienced direct incomprehensible violence. 1366 01:19:24,580 --> 01:19:26,940 Their very lives would be at stake 1367 01:19:26,227 --> 01:19:28,563 if they returned to their country of origin. 1368 01:19:29,430 --> 01:19:33,734 I agree with Counselor Whitlaw that there are more egregious cases. 1369 01:19:34,568 --> 01:19:39,373 That the Petrosyans clearly have a semblance of community back in Volgograd 1370 01:19:39,640 --> 01:19:43,110 just as they clearly have a community here. 1371 01:19:43,778 --> 01:19:46,480 What I heard from you both, Mr. and Mrs. Petrosyan, 1372 01:19:46,614 --> 01:19:49,818 is utter exhaustion. 1373 01:19:51,520 --> 01:19:55,857 It's that insidious nature of racism that's quiet but persistent and known. 1374 01:19:57,910 --> 01:19:59,600 The daily suspicions, 1375 01:20:00,610 --> 01:20:06,100 the accumulation of tiny humiliations that are more menacing than anything else. 1376 01:20:07,235 --> 01:20:12,240 It reminds me of that poem located at the base of the Statue of Liberty, 1377 01:20:12,474 --> 01:20:13,808 and it states, 1378 01:20:14,142 --> 01:20:17,678 "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses 1379 01:20:18,179 --> 01:20:19,981 yearning to breathe free. 1380 01:20:21,215 --> 01:20:23,518 The wretched refuse of your teeming shore, 1381 01:20:24,252 --> 01:20:30,959 send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me, 1382 01:20:32,527 --> 01:20:36,970 I lift my lamp beside the golden door." 1383 01:20:37,432 --> 01:20:39,334 It reminds us 1384 01:20:39,534 --> 01:20:45,740 we should strive to be a nation of freedom, enlightenment, and compassion. 1385 01:20:47,080 --> 01:20:50,612 A democracy that gives hope to those who have lost all hope, 1386 01:20:52,713 --> 01:20:54,249 a land of refuge 1387 01:20:55,149 --> 01:20:58,620 but I found nothing in your case 1388 01:20:58,753 --> 01:21:00,654 that compelled me to believe 1389 01:21:00,788 --> 01:21:04,326 that you would be in great physical danger if you returned to Russia, 1390 01:21:05,920 --> 01:21:06,461 but I have to ask you, 1391 01:21:08,496 --> 01:21:12,670 and I ask everyone else in this courtroom today, 1392 01:21:15,700 --> 01:21:17,380 haven't they been through enough? 1393 01:21:18,720 --> 01:21:21,275 It is my privilege as a servant of this court 1394 01:21:22,760 --> 01:21:24,479 to be the first person to welcome you home. 1395 01:21:26,470 --> 01:21:28,215 I hereby grant your family asylum 1396 01:21:28,349 --> 01:21:31,485 on the grounds of accumulated mistreatment. 1397 01:21:31,719 --> 01:21:33,988 [bangs gavel] 1398 01:21:34,121 --> 01:21:41,429 [applause] [laughter] 1399 01:21:47,168 --> 01:21:54,476 [instrumental music]