THE FILM ​​
"I not only knew that I wanted to
be a lawyer, but I knew that I
never wanted to make any money."
From wrestling mats to courtroom clashes with 'America's Mayor,'"The Good Fight" chronicles award-winning civil rights lawyer Armen Merjian’s relentless battle for justice, housing, and dignity for the most marginalized.
Set against the backdrop of New York City, the film delves into Armen's incredible career, particularly his David-and-Goliath confrontation with Mayor Giuliani's administration. This quintessential New York story highlights themes of resilience, justice, and the fight against systemic inequalities, underscoring the importance of never giving up the good fight.
Given the recent suspension of global HIV treatment funds by the Trump administration, our film's narrative has become even more timely and significant.
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DIRECTOR'S STATEMENT
Storytelling has the power to connect, to illuminate, and to inspire action.
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With The Good Fight, I want to share the story of a true champion for justice—civil rights attorney Armen Merjian—whose relentless advocacy has transformed the lives of many of New York City’s most marginalized communities. For over 36 years, and through 28 years of tireless work with Housing Works, Armen has fought to secure housing, dignity, and healthcare for individuals living with HIV/AIDS. His unwavering commitment is a testament to the profound impact one person can have in the fight for justice.
Given the recent suspension of global HIV treatment funds by the Trump administration, this story has never been more urgent. We are at a moment where hard-fought progress is at risk, and the need for fearless advocates like Armen is greater than ever.
Through his journey, The Good Fight serves as both a call to action and a beacon of hope—reminding us that change is possible when we refuse to stand by in the face of injustice.
But advocacy doesn’t have to be just about struggle—it can also be about resilience, joy, and even humor. Armen’s story is not only one of relentless dedication but also of using humor as a tool to engage, disarm, and start meaningful conversations about deeply serious issues. In a world where social justice often feels overwhelming, humor can break down barriers and bring people into the conversation in unexpected ways. Armen’s sharp wit and unshakable optimism remind us that even in the fight for justice, there is space for laughter, for connection, and for hope.
This film is deeply personal to me. It is inspired not only by Armen’s work, but also by the memory of my dear friend Brian Bob, who lived with HIV for most of his life and dedicated himself to saving the lives of New York's homeless youth, until his passing. His resilience, like Armen’s, is a reminder that we all have a role to play in bending the arc toward justice.
In a time when so many feel disheartened, I believe in the power of stories to reawaken our collective sense of responsibility and possibility. The Good Fight is more than just a documentary—it is a testament to what it means to never give up. Because no matter how difficult the road ahead, the fight for dignity, equality, and justice must continue.
— Amelia Hanibelsz
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