A Cry From Iran: Martyr Haik Hovsepian
Lives and Dies for Christ

In the past 2000 years, since the time of the earliest of Christian martyrs, the world has been revolutionized. Unfortunately, the persecution of Christians in areas hostile to the gospel of Jesus Christ remains largely unchanged. Many heroes of the faith have paid the ultimate price for our faith; the list of our heroes is too voluminous to mention.

If there is a “Who’s Who List” of Christian martyrs in heaven, one name that is surely on that list is the name of Haik Hovsepian. Well known apologist and author Dr. Ravi Zacharias put it this way: “Had the book of Hebrews been written in our time, [Haik Hovsepian] would have been mentioned in there.” A Cry From Iran is the documentary of Haik’s life story.

Directed by his sons, Joseph and Andre Hovsepian, and written by Mark Bradley, A Cry From Iran is a powerful and gripping tale of one man’s relentless love for Christ and his determined will to stand firm in the direct face of danger, to the point of giving the ultimate sacrifice and dying a martyr’s death.

Not too often have I found myself speechless. Nonetheless, after watching this film, I was completely moved, utterly humbled, and – yes – speechless. I wondered silently to myself how I could justly review a documentary film about a man like Martyr Haik. Through prayer, my review follows.

Disclaimer

I should begin by saying that the creators of A Cry From Iran do not not recommend the film for children under 13, due to graphic content. Before showing it to your little ones, take the time to view it yourself.

A Modern-Day Martyr

The government of Iran, not unlike the leadership in Jerusalem in the first century, is overtly hostile to the Christian gospel message to this day. An Islamic theocracy composed primarily of Muslims, Iran generally considers Christian pastors and congregants to be spies. It is within this context that Haik Hovsepian makes his stand for truth.

Rising up from a shoeshine boy on the streets to the leader of the Protestant Church in Iran, Haik’s story exhibits remarkably clear evidence of God’s hand upon his life. Haik and his family are constantly in danger of severe persecution as they found churches throughout Iran.

As noticeable as Haik has already become to the Iranian authorities, something happens in 1993 that elevates his visibility to the next level. A man named Mehdi Dibaj converts from Islam to Christianity and is sentenced to death. His crime? Apostasy. When Haik is informed of Mehdi’s plight, he immediately begins an international campaign to save his friend and brother in the faith. Haik writes the British Parliament, the Congress of the United States, and anyone else who will listen.

Haik Hovsepian at the church pulpit in Iran

In the eleventh hour, Mehdi’s execution is stayed and he is freed as a result of Martyr Haik’s efforts. There is a great, but brief, celebration because the victory carries a painful price.

Three days after Mehdi’s release, Haik Hovsepian disappears. After twelve days of desperate searching and silence, Haik’s mutilated corpse is identified. He had been stabbed 26 times.

The grief among the Christian community in Iran is heard around the world. The international Christian community has been dealt a powerful blow. Unfortunately, this is just the beginning of the trial. A series of Iranian Christian martyrdoms follow that of Pastor Haik Hovsepian.

What I find fascinating about this film is the continuous love extended to the very people responsible for Haik’s death. At no point does the film isolate any faiths, nor does it point a finger at any particular religion. Instead, the movie challenges the viewer to think about the facts and the impact they have had and continue to have to this day.

Good

• Various types of footage and interviews are seamlessly used to create a compelling story that will leave you in thought worth having.
• The intimacy with which the story is told could only come from those as close to Haik as his own family members.
• No fingers are pointed throughout the film, but a great love and grace is consistently given.
• The original music by Haik’s son, Gilbert Hovsepian, sets the tone for the film.

Young Haik in military uniform

Director Andre Hovsepian being prepped for his part as
Young Haik in A Cry From Iran

Areas to Improve

• I have little to share in this area. There are very few moments in which newspaper clippings and court documents are shown without English captions, making it difficult to know what you’re looking at.

The Bottom Line

A Cry From Iran is an exquisite piece of documentary filmmaking. Shot primarily with the Sony HVR-Z1U camera in HD format, this multiple award-winning film (10 awards) is 54 minutes in length and combines the use of original footage, interviews with knowledgeable and distinguished individuals, private home movie collections, and even hidden camera footage not confiscated by the Iranian authorities to create one of the best documentaries on Christian martyrdom I’ve ever been blessed to watch.

The Hovsepian family before Haik's martyrdom

Producer/Director Joseph Hovsepian and Director Andre Hovsepian are so close to this story that it makes their work phenomenal. But even more than that, I believe that Joseph and Andre are personally gifted as filmmakers. I look forward to seeing what God will use JFA Productions for next.

Check out Christian-Movie.com's exclusive interview with
producer and director Joseph Hovsepian!

Return from Hovsepian Review to Christian Movie Reviews