First look at Serj Tankian’s Truth To Power doc raises its fist online

Last Updated on July 30, 2021

"Open your eyes. Open your mouths. Close your hands and make a fist. Down with the system," System of a Down frontman Serj Tankian states in the first clip for TRUTH TO POWER, a documentary hailing from Live Nation Productions and Serjical Strike Entertainment set to debut at the Cannes virtual marketplace.

For the upcoming doc directed by Garin Hovannisian, the filmmaker chronicles the philosophies and outspoken activism of Tankian, who for more than two decades has wielded the power and global reach of his band System of a Down to bring messages of peace and political awareness to fans. So influential are Tankian's words and actions, that in 2018 he'd ushered others into joining the Velvet Revolution, a non-violent demonstration in Armenia that led to the ousting of an oligarchic regime.

You can check out the first look clip for TRUTH TO POWER below:

In addition to Tankian, TRUTH TO POWER features appearances from System Of A Down band members John Dolmayan and Shavo Odadjian, the band’s manager David “Beno” Benveniste, filmmaker/journalist Carla Garapedian, Rage Against the Machine’s Tom Morello, and record producer Rick Rubin. Originally, the doc was expected to premiere at Tribeca, but my enemy and yours, COVID-19, threw a wrench into those plans and then some.

Upon engaging in the documentary, viewers will be met by a series of interviews with the above-mentioned contributors and original footage personally filmed by Tankian, as well as back stage access to the band's powerful performances. While the film does focus on Tankian's approach to activism, it will also detail the process of bringing System's music from the cradle to the stage.