Back to Ashtarak
Back to Ashtarak is an intimate exploration of the powerful forces that tie me to my ancestral hometown.
Throughout my daily life, no matter where I am or what I’m doing, vivid memories of Ashtarak emerge—moments drenched in nostalgia and warmth. From my grandparents’ balcony, I see Aragats Mountain as swallows greet the morning sky. I find myself strolling again with my siblings and cousins from around the globe to the ancient Spitakavor Church. What’s extraordinary is that my bond to Ashtarak is not rooted in permanent residency—I was born there but never truly lived there, returning only during summers of childhood and adolescence.
Is this profound connection simply the lingering joy of a happy childhood, or does a deeper, spiritual pull come from thousands of years of history embedded in this land?
Back to Ashtarak is a heartfelt tribute—a love letter to my hometown and to the innocence and joy of childhood itself. Although deeply personal, the film evokes universal emotions, inviting viewers to reconnect with their own cherished memories, hometowns, and the magical simplicity of childhood—often the happiest chapter of our lives.
Driven by a passion to create films that are uniquely mine, I embrace an experimental, independent style, free from constraints and rules. It is in this boundless creative freedom that I truly thrive.
Timeline
It all started with a simple idea..
In the spring of 2021, the concept began to take shape. After months of thoughtful research, I structured the film around the way I typically experience visits to Ashtarak.
Soon after, Back to Ashtarak was honored to receive Creative Armenia’s prestigious Spark Grant, setting the stage for its journey.
Production
Principal photography for the film took place over ten focused days in July 2021.
To my surprise, my 88-year-old grandfather turned out to be a natural in front of the camera, so much so that I jokingly told him he should consider starting an acting career.
Post - Production
In post-production, I worked closely with a talented team of creatives who helped bring the film’s vision to life.
I collaborated once again with composer Arman Aloyan, whose music had elevated my previous films. His score for Back to Ashtarak is no exception—magical and immersive, it weaves a fairytale-like atmosphere that deepens the emotional resonance of the story.
I also partnered with ONoff Animation Studio in Armenia, who created beautifully crafted animations that added a unique visual layer to the film’s narrative.
World Premiere
Back to Ashtarak had its official premiere on September 1, 2022, hosted by the Armenian Film Society. The event was completely sold out, a humbling and unforgettable moment that marked the beginning of the film’s journey with audiences.
Armenian Film Society Joins Back to Ashtarak as Executive Producer
Armenian Film Society has officially come on board as executive producer of Tigran Nersisian’s short documentary Back to Ashtarak. Led by the husband-and-wife team of Armen and Mary Karaoghlanian, the organization is offering strategic support to the film’s development and outreach. Their involvement brings both creative insight and a deep cultural alignment with the film’s vision.
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.
Back to Ashtarak University Tour
In early 2023, Back to Ashtarak screened at several major universities across California, including UCLA, UC Irvine, Fresno State, USC, and UC San Diego. Each event featured a post-screening Q&A with director Tigran Nersisian and producer Armen Karaoghlanian, offering students, faculty, and guests a deeper look into the film’s creative process, personal inspiration, and cultural significance.
Special Screening at the Armenian Film Festival (2023)
On September 10, 2023, Back to Ashtarak was featured at the Armenian Film Festival in Glendale, part of a showcase presented by the Armenian Film Society. The event provided audiences with a rich cultural experience, reinforcing the film’s themes of memory, identity, and hometown connection.
HollyShorts Monthly Screening – May 2024
On May 22, 2024, Back to Ashtarak was featured in a special monthly showcase at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Glendale, co-hosted by Armenian Film Society and HollyShorts. The screening included several Armenian-American short films and was followed by a lively Q&A with the filmmakers and a networking mixer, drawing a vibrant community of film lovers and creators.
Armenian Premiere in Ashtarak
On May 31, Back to Ashtarak came full circle with its Armenian premiere held at the Ashtarak Cultural Center. The screening was dedicated to the memory of Ligia Melqumyan and attended by over 350 guests, including many familiar faces from the director’s childhood. The event was followed by a heartfelt Q&A with Meri Matevosyan, who appears in the film.
The warm reception from the residents of Ashtarak made the night unforgettable. For filmmaker Tigran Nersisian, it was a surreal and emotional milestone—returning to the town that inspired the film and witnessing its impact on the very people and places it honors. The experience reaffirmed his commitment to telling more stories rooted in Ashtarak.
Tigran Nersisian Featured on Shant TV Following Armenian Premiere
Following the successful Armenian premiere of Back to Ashtarak, filmmaker Tigran Nersisian was invited to appear on Shant TV’s popular morning show. During the interview, he shared the emotional journey behind the film—from its early inspiration to the overwhelming response it received in his hometown of Ashtarak.
Tigran also made an exciting announcement: his next project will be a narrative feature film set in Ashtarak, continuing his creative exploration of the town that has shaped his artistic vision. The news was met with enthusiasm by viewers, marking a new chapter in his commitment to telling stories rooted in Armenian identity and memory.
Press
