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Panel Discussion

Armenian Cinema: A 100-year Odyssey of History and Identity

The fifth day of the 29th International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) witnessed a packed audience at Nila Theatre, gathered to commemorate a remarkable milestone: 100 Years of Armenian Cinema. The occasion was marked by a panel discussion featuring a distinguished lineup of acclaimed Armenian filmmakers and actors. The panel discussion offered a unique opportunity for cinephiles to delve into the rich cinematic heritage of Armenia, exploring its evolution, themes, and contributions to world cinema.
Mikhael Dovlatyan, Serge Avedikian, and Nora Armani, whose works are showcased under the Country Focus: Armenia section of the festival, shared their insights and experiences. Joining them was Karina Simonyan, producer of the critically acclaimed films Yasha and Leonid Brezhnev, which were screened in the World Cinema category.
Curator of the 29th IFFK, Golda Sellam, set the stage for a captivating discussion, introducing the esteemed panel to a rapt audience. As the conversation unfolded, it revealed profound insights into the remarkable journey of Armenian cinema, marked by resilience, creativity, and a deep-seated connection to the nation's rich cultural heritage.
Serge Avedikian steered the audience through Armenian cinema's fascinating journey, from its inception in 1924 to the present day. With meticulous detail, he recounted the pioneering spirit of the first Armenian sound film, Pepo, which not only laid the foundations for Armenian cinema but also paved the way for the entire Caucasus region, including Georgia. He poignantly noted the challenging era of Stalin's Soviet rule in the 1930s, during which films were heavily influenced by Soviet ideologies. However, he also highlighted the resurgence of Armenian cinema in the 1960s, as filmmakers began to explore diverse perspectives and reclaim their unique voice. The premiere of Hello, That's Me! at Cannes marked a significant turning point, ushering in a new era of international recognition. He also paid tribute to the visionary composer Henrik Malyan, whose works wove traditional Armenian values into the fabric of cinema, subtly influenced by the rhythms of Indian music.
Mikhael Dovlatyan shed light on Armenian cinema's vibrant present and future. He emphasized the government's support for international collaborations and praised India's reverence for cinema. Armenia, he noted, is emerging as a filming haven, offering diverse landscapes and subsidies for filmmakers. Nora Armani passionately discussed Armenia's post-Soviet era, a time of rediscovery and self-expression. As the nation gained independence, filmmakers like Serge and Mikhael dared to create, despite the daunting challenge of securing funding. Armani marvelled at their courage, citing the film Labyrinth as a testament to their unwavering dedication to their craft.
Karina Simonyan candidly shared the challenges of filmmaking in Armenia, citing the scarcity of funding sources. As a producer, she relies on international co-productions to bring her visions to life, highlighting the financial hurdles that Armenian filmmakers must overcome.
The panel concluded with a resounding acknowledgment of Armenian cinema’s ability to evolve, adapt, and connect with global audiences,weaving a century-long tapestry of stories infused with history, identity, and resilience.