Filmmaker Silva Khnkanosian documented the turmoil in Nagorno-Karabakh when conflict erupted again in 2020. Her film, Far From Michigan, touches directly on the Armenian-Azerbaijani military and political confrontation spanning over 30 years. Shot within various bomb shelters in the capital Stepanakert and told in the form of daily journals with subtitles, the film underscores the hardships endured by civilians trapped in the throes of war. Following 44 days of intense battle, Armenia's surrender is declared. Khnkanosian's film concludes with poignant scenes of Armenian villagers preferring to set their homes ablaze before leaving them behind forever. Considering the recent Azerbaijani military offensive in Nagorno-Karabakh, which violated the 2020 ceasefire and triggered a mass exodus of ethnic Armenians, Khnkanosian’s compelling work is even more crucial than before. (ME)

With the support of the Consulat général de France à Québec and in collaboration with DOC-Cévennes

Far From Michigan