Back to Ashtarak
In the Back to Ashtarak I am exploring the forces behind my deep connection to my hometown.
Several times during a regular day, my mind takes me back to my hometown Ashtarak. When I go for a walk, watch a film, or do any other daily activity, flashes of nostalgic memories and feelings related to Ashtarak come to my mind. I am looking from my grandparents’ balcony to Aragats Mountain while listening to morning swallows in one flashback. In another one, we are walking to Spitakavor Church with my siblings and cousins who gathered from worldwide. Even more extraordinary about my connection with Ashtarak is that I was born but never really lived there; I only visited during childhood and adolescence.
Is my happy childhood the reason behind those feelings, or is there a more potent spiritual force coming from thousands of years of history that happened there?
Back to Ashtarak is a love letter to my hometown and my childhood. It’s personal, but it will remind the viewer of their story, little town, and childhood – often the happiest time of our lives.
I am only interested in making films that only I can make. I found myself in experimental independent filmmaking with no rules and was free to do whatever came to my mind. I need that creative freedom to thrive.
Timeline
It all began with an idea...
I began thinking about the project in the Spring of 2021. After researching for a few months, I wrote the film’s structure based on how I usually visit Ashtarak.
Not long after that, Back to Ashtarak became the recipient of Creative Armenia’s Spark Grant.
Production
The film’s principal photography took ten days and was completed in July 2021.
It turned out my 88-year-old grandpa is an incredible actor. He felt so natural in front of the camera that I jokingly suggested he begins an acting career.
Post - Production
In post-production, I worked very closely with other creatives.
I collaborated with the composed Arman Aloyan, who also wrote music for my previous films. Arman’s music is magical. It creates a fairytale atmosphere and adds another layer to Back to Ashtarak.
I connected with the ONoff animation studio based in Armenia, which crafted unique animations for the film.
World Premiere
The first official screening of Back to Ashtarak took place on September 1, 2022, and was hosted by Armenian Film Society. The event was completely sold out.
Armenian Film Society Joins Back to Ashtarak as Executive Producer
Armenian Film Society is joining Tigran Nersisian’s short documentary Back to Ashtarak. Armen and Mary Karaoghlanian, the husband and wife team behind Armenian Film Society, will serve as executive producers, with their organization providing strategic support to the film.
Best Short Doc Award at the Pomegranate Film Festival
Winning the Best Short Doc Award at the Pomegranate Film Festival was among the most inspiring things in my filmmaking career. It’s also especially symbolic because of the festival’s meaning to Armenian Film Society and me.
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