There Was, There Was Not / Voices of Resilience

Ticket sales open 20 March (discount available 24 March)

There Was, There Was Not / Voices of resilience

The first line of every Armenian fairy tale, There Was, There Was Not, tells the collective myth of a homeland lost forever – and four women’s resistance to that loss. The documentary follows these women living in the Republic of Artsakh, an unrecognized country dealing with the aftermath of a war. In the midst of this uncertainty, they build a life with the hope of making their home a better place. Through intimate scenes of daily routines, conversations, and quiet moments, we witness their everyday lives and deep connections to their homeland. When a new war breaks out, some remain and take part in the defense efforts while others leave, as the region undergoes significant upheaval and displacement.
Trigger warning: Depictions of war and displacement.

Director: Emily Mkrtichian, Armenia, 2024
Armenian with English subtitles, 93 min

Event

The event begins with a brief introduction to the film and the historic backdrop of the film, including the Nagorno‑Karabakh conflict. After the film, refreshments are served in Asta Bar and the audience can explore the film’s topic through conversation prompts and resources. The Armenian choir, Komitas, will perform a short, intimate program. Lastly, guests can reflect on the film and performance while enjoying drinks and art. The event will be in English.