Emily Mkrtichian’s debut feature film, There Was, There Was Not, poignantly captures the fragility of life in the Artsakh region, a formerly autonomous republic filled with historical complexities. The film spotlights the lives of four remarkable women whose aspirations are interrupted by the harsh realities of war. Established in 1991, Artsakh emerged from a tumultuous history of political oppression under Soviet rule, followed by a protracted military conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan, leaving the largely Armenian populace constantly wary of impending strife.
The film follows the distinct yet interwoven paths of its protagonists, each grappling with their dreams amid the turmoil. Sose, a judo champion, harbors hopes of competing in the Olympics. Siranush is determined to make her mark in local governance by campaigning for a city council position. Meanwhile, Gayane leads a support initiative for women in her community. On a more sobering note, Sveta’s role in bomb disposal highlights the stark presence of war, as she confronts the remnants of conflict still lingering in the region’s landscape. Despite their varied professions, these women are united in their commitment to uplift their community, reflecting the strong cultural bonds that thread through the fabric of Artsakh’s society.
The narrative unfolds as tensions escalate with the outbreak of war in 2020, startlingly disrupting the women’s everyday existence. The onset of conflict sends alarm bells ringing, both literally and metaphorically, as explosions resonate through their lives. Gayane and her family are uprooted, relocating to Armenia as refugees, while Sose is forced to set aside her athletic ambitions to serve in the military. The film starkly contrasts an early scene portraying her vibrant judo lessons for children with a later depiction of her leading women in weapon assembly tasks, a narrative shift that underscores the burdens they bear. The poignant reality is that these women, along with their community, often have to set aside their dreams and ambitions in the face of adversity.
The film will be screened at Bertha DocHouse in London starting November 7.
