Examination | Journey through Armenia: Delving into its historic past, current state, and proposed future developments
In the heart of Armenia, Celine embarks on a personal journey in the film "In the Land of Arto," directed by Tamar Stepanyan. Accompanied by former Armenian soldier Arsine, Celine travels to Nagorno-Karabakh to understand the history of the conflict and its potential impact on her family's future, should she succeed in gaining Armenian citizenship for her children.
Tamar Stepanyan, known for her documentary work, has crafted a timely and relevant film that delves into Armenia's tragic history. Her background in documentaries is evident in the film's documentary aesthetic and the characters' ability to breathe and speak. The film's director, Jean-Baptiste Erreca, skillfully guides this poignant narrative.
The film's protagonist, Celine, arrives in Gyumri, Armenia's second-largest city, to find her deceased husband's birth certificate. Gyumri, left with many abandoned and semi-collapsed buildings since the 1988 Spitak earthquake, serves as a haunting backdrop to Celine's quest.
The camera lingers on objects such as recent graveyards and abandoned buildings, drawing attention to the setting seven months after the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War. The locals share the hardships their families have faced, including the collapsed industry and the fact that many loved ones remain buried in the rubble.
A taxi-driver in Gyumri, one of Céline's companions, mentions that many Armenians don't have graves, adding to the film's sombre tone. Celine's discovery of her husband's name-change instigates the larger focus of the film, a ruminative exploration into the recent Armenian defeat and its impact on the population.
The film takes a turn as it evolves from a psychological thriller into a journey through Armenian history. The film features a blend of fact and fiction, such as the inclusion of Nagorno-Karabakh Armenian rapper Valeri Lyoka Ghazaryan's song 'Hascen Im Nuynn A' about wanting a home yet being forced to remain abroad.
Céline's husband's spirit is a silent character in the background, fading in and out. The film's secondary story is an exploration of the many tragedies Armenia has faced in a generation or two, providing Western audiences a way to understand what it means to be Armenian.
"In the Land of Arto" had its premiere at the 78 Locarno Film Festival on 6 August 2025, just two days before Armenia and Azerbaijan initiatedalled the text of a peace deal in the United States. The film is set to be released on 31 December 2025 in France.
Cinematographer Claire Mathon's skillful camerawork significantly contributes to the film's impact, allowing Armenia itself to become a character. The film's powerful narrative and poignant exploration of Armenia's history make it a must-watch for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of this region's past and present.
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