Pictures and Opinions from the Premiere of Newmag’s “Stand Up” Movie

The “Arm-Man” book and the “Stand Up” movie tell about Sargis Stepanyan’s strong willpower, powerful character and extraordinary life. The book and the movie also encompass details about the future plans and initiatives that Sargis aims to achieve. 

Sargis Stepanyan is in the special forces of the Armenian armed forces. In 2014, due to a mine explosion, he lost both his legs and his right arm. But he decided not to give up, to stand up and train. Now he is an arm-wrestling World Champion. Sargis Stepanyan founded a gym for people with disabilities and a rehabilitation center. 

  

Sargis Stepanyan, Co-author of the “Arm-Man” book: “This book is the story of my life, but it applies to everyone, because it is about living, loving life, smiling, not giving up, not being depressed, about the need to appreciate what you have before you lose it. It has very good messages, which our nation needs especially nowadays. Our nation needs recovery, so each of us must be strong enough to help us stand up as a unity.”

  

David Davtyan, Co-author of the “Arm-Man” book: “In the book, we have minimized the emotions, so that people can get the most important messages. We have tried to take sensitive issues more seriously so that the reader, especially those who had tragic losses, can find some elements of motivation. We want them to see that there is a living example, who overcame the most difficult challenges and now it’s time for others.” 

 

Vanik Stepanyan, Sargis Stepanyan’s father: “There is no one like him. There is no other Saqo. He is a superman. He is not only my son, he’s everyone’s son.”

Seyran Ohanyan, Former Minister of Defense: “Injuries are for men, one can be physically disabled, but when a person is mentally disabled, that’s already unacceptable.”

Angela Elibegova, Expert on Azerbaijan: “I was at the premiere of a film about Sargis Stepanyan. Sargis and people like him are a role model for us today. They are the Army, they are the image of a man, they are the Hope. I gained so much strength and energy and would like to thank the Newmag team for telling us the stories of real heroes of our times.”

 

Levon Kocharyan, President of Armenian Powerlifting Federation: “I want to congratulate my good friend, hero Sargis Stepanyan, on his new book “Arm-Man. To say that Sargis is doing an immense work with huge importance is to say nothing. I am sorry I wasn’t able to attend the book presentation, but I will wait for my copy.”

 

Hasmik Araqelyan, journalist: “I have only watched the movie "Stand up". We were moved, surprised and strengthened by watching it. I still need to read the book, but considering how professional David is and what a fantastic editorial staff is behind all this, I am more than sure that a perfect job has been done.” 

 

Sargis Harutyunyan, Disabled Military: “I cannot properly explain his attitude towards us. Sargis is one of a kind. He is a huge source of inspiration and motivation.”

Nothing staged, no exaggerations or scripts. You can also watch the documentary "Stand Up" about Sargis Stepanyan.