Examination | Journey through Arto's Realm - a contemplative journey delving into Armenia's history, current state, and prospects for the future
In the heart of the Locarno Film Festival, director Tamar Stepanyan premiered her latest work, "In the Land of Arto," on the 6th of August 2021. This captivating film serves as a poignant look into Armenia's tragic history, told through the eyes of a foreigner.
The protagonist, Céline, is a French woman who journeys to Gyumri, Armenia's second-largest city, in search of her deceased husband's birth certificate. Upon her arrival, she encounters a haunting truth: many Armenians don't have graves. This stark reality sets the tone for her ensuing journey.
Céline's quest unfolds as a psychological thriller, with her delving into her husband's hidden past. As she digs deeper, she uncovers the history of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and her husband's role in past events. The story evolves, sending Céline on a journey into Armenian history.
The film's secondary story focuses on the many tragedies Armenia has faced in a short period. Abandoned and semi-collapsed buildings, left to waste away since the 1988 Spitak earthquake, are featured prominently. The camera lingers on recent graveyards along the train tracks from Yerevan to Gyumri, drawing attention to the film's setting, seven months after the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War.
Céline's journey extends beyond Gyumri, leading her to Nagorno-Karabakh, where she meets former Armenian soldier Arsine. Valeri Lyoka Ghazaryan, a well-known Nagorno-Karabakh Armenian rapper, appears in the film, adding a unique local flavour to the narrative.
The film's visual impact is enhanced by Claire Mathon, the cinematographer of Portrait of a Lady on Fire. Her work captures the raw emotions and stark landscapes of Armenia, providing a visually stunning backdrop to the story.
"In the Land of Arto" offers Western audiences a means to understand what it means to be Armenian in the face of such adversity. However, the topics, particularly those regarding the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, remain relevant, yet it remains to be seen if Armenia and Azerbaijan can reconcile with their history.
The film, which has been described as a timely and relevant look at Armenia's tragic history, is set to be released on the 31st of December 2025 in France. It promises to be a thought-provoking and moving film that sheds light on a conflict that continues to shape the lives of many.
