7 Films From and About Armenia: A Celebration of Armenian Cinema

Armenian cinema has a long and rich history, dating back to the early 20th century.

Despite facing numerous challenges and setbacks throughout its history, Armenian filmmakers have continued to produce movies that showcase their unique culture, history, and identity. Here are some of the best Armenian movies.

Best Films From And About Armenia

These movies represent a wide range of genres, including drama, comedy, and historical epics, and offer a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Armenia.

All picks in one table

1. The Color of Pomegranates (1969)

The Color of Pomegranates is a 1969 Soviet experimental biographical film directed by Armenian filmmaker Sergei Parajanov. The film is a poetic and artistic portrayal of the life of the 18th-century Armenian poet Sayat-Nova, told through a series of tableaux and images inspired by Armenian art and culture.

The film is renowned for its innovative approach to cinema and its use of rich colors, textures, and symbolism to create a dreamlike and surreal atmosphere. It has been hailed as a masterpiece of world cinema and is considered one of the greatest works of art from the Soviet era.

The Color of Pomegranates has inspired generations of filmmakers and artists around the world, and it continues to be celebrated for its beauty, originality, and cultural significance. It has also been a subject of controversy and censorship due to its non-linear narrative and artistic style, which were seen as a challenge to the Soviet authorities’ strict rules for filmmaking.

2. Army of Crime (2009)

Army of Crime is a French drama film directed by Robert Guédiguian, released in 2009. The movie is based on the true story of a group of immigrant resistance fighters in Nazi-occupied Paris during World War II.

The film follows the story of Missak Manouchian, an Armenian poet and communist who leads a group of resistance fighters made up of immigrants from various countries who work together to carry out acts of sabotage against the Nazis. As they continue to carry out their operations, they are pursued by the French police and ultimately captured, leading to a dramatic and emotional finale.

One of the central themes of the movie is the idea of sacrifice and heroism in the face of oppression. The resistance fighters are portrayed as individuals who are willing to risk everything, even their own lives, in order to fight against the injustices of the Nazi occupation. The film also explores the experiences of immigrants and minorities during wartime, and the challenges they faced as they fought for their own rights and freedoms. Overall, Army of Crime is a powerful and thought-provoking film that tells an important story about courage and resistance in the face of tyranny.

3. Grandma’s Tattoos (2011)

Grandma’s Tattoos is a 2011 documentary by Armenian-Swedish filmmaker Suzanne Khardalian. Investigating the blue tattoos on her grandmother Khanoum’s hands and face, Khardalian traces the experiences of Armenian women and girls who survived the 1915 genocide.

The film connects a personal family history to a wider record of displacement, kidnapping, and forced assimilation, drawing on photographs, testimony, and visits to places connected with the past.

5. Mother (1992)

Mother (Մայր) is a 1992 Armenian drama film directed by the renowned Armenian filmmaker, actor, and artist, Henrik Malyan. The film tells the story of an elderly mother, Armine, who lives alone in her apartment in Yerevan, the capital of Armenia. Armine is a survivor of the Armenian Genocide and has lived through some of the most tumultuous periods in Armenian history.

For more about Armenia cinema, you can check out our overview of the best films from Armenia and our country-by-country exploration of global cinema.

As the film progresses, we learn more about Armine’s life and the struggles she has faced. Despite her difficult past and present circumstances, Armine remains strong and determined to live her life with dignity and independence.

Mother is a poignant and moving film that explores the themes of family, love, and resilience. It is considered to be one of the most significant Armenian films ever made and has been praised for its masterful storytelling, powerful performances, and beautiful cinematography. The film won the Best Picture award at the 1992 Moscow International Film Festival, and its director, Henrik Malyan, is widely regarded as one of the most important figures in Armenian cinema.

5. Armenian Genocide (2006 TV Movie)

The Armenian Genocide is a 2006 PBS documentary written, produced, and directed by Andrew Goldberg. Using archival material and interviews with historians and scholars, it examines the Ottoman destruction of Armenians and subsequent denial of the genocide.

Narrated by Julianna Margulies, with historical readings by actors including Ed Harris, Natalie Portman, Laura Linney, Jared Leto, and Orlando Bloom, the documentary is a factual, non-fiction account rather than a dramatized revenge story.

6. Ararat (2002)

Ararat is a Canadian historical drama film directed by Atom Egoyan, released in 2002. The movie tells the story of the Armenian Genocide through the lens of a contemporary film crew making a movie about the genocide.

The film explores the complex and controversial history of the Armenian Genocide, which took place during World War I and resulted in the deaths of an estimated 1.5 million Armenians. It follows Raffi, who works on director Edward Saroyan’s film about the genocide, including as a driver, and struggles to reconcile his own family history with those events.

Ararat is known for its non-linear narrative structure, which weaves together multiple storylines and time periods, including the making of the film within the film, flashbacks to the events of the genocide, and Raffi’s personal journey of self-discovery. The film also features a strong ensemble cast, including Charles Aznavour, Christopher Plummer, and Arsinee Khanjian.

One of the central themes of Ararat is the power of storytelling and the ways in which history is constructed and remembered. The film explores the complexities of representing traumatic historical events on screen, and the challenges of balancing artistic vision with historical accuracy. Overall, Ararat is a thought-provoking and emotionally powerful film that provides a moving exploration of one of the most tragic events of the 20th century.

3 Characteristics of Armenian Movies

Here are three characteristics of Armenian movies:

Historical themes: Many Armenian movies explore the country’s rich cultural heritage and history, often drawing from epic poems and historical events.

Emphasis on family and community: Armenian movies often focus on the importance of family and community ties, and the challenges that individuals face in balancing their personal desires with their obligations to their loved ones and their communities.

Social commentary: Armenian movies often address social and political issues, such as corruption, poverty, and inequality, and offer commentary on contemporary Armenian society and its challenges.

3 Reasons To Watch Armenian Movies

Cultural richness: Armenian movies offer a unique insight into the rich cultural heritage of Armenia, exploring themes such as Armenian history, traditions, and values. These films showcase the beauty of Armenian art, music, and language, giving viewers a window into a world that they may not be familiar with.

Quality cinema: Armenian movies have a long history of producing quality cinema. Despite facing numerous challenges over the years, Armenian filmmakers have continued to produce films that have received critical acclaim at international film festivals and have been recognized for their artistic merit and storytelling.

Diversity of genres: Armenian movies cover a wide range of genres, including drama, comedy, historical epics, and documentaries. This diversity allows viewers to explore different aspects of Armenian life and culture and provides a broader perspective on the Armenian experience.

Overall, Armenian movies offer a unique and valuable cinematic experience, providing a glimpse into a rich and vibrant culture and history.

Related on Filmmaking Lifestyle

Read next: 6 Best Australian Movies Of All Time: A Deep Dive Celebration Of The Cinema Of Australia, 9 Best Belgian Movies Of All Time: A Celebration Of Cinema From Belgium, and 10 Best Mexican Movies Of All Time: A Celebration of The Cinema of Mexico.

Best Armenian Movies – Wrap Up

These films explore various themes such as Armenian culture, history, and identity. They have received critical acclaim and have been featured in various film festivals around the world.

From Expressionism to New Wave — dive deeper into Film History.

Let's Get Lost: The Essential Breakdown

The Old Dark House: Context, Themes, and Style

Night and Fog: Themes, Mood, and Visual Language

Runaway Train: Key Ideas and Lasting Influence

Even the Wind Is Afraid: A Deep Dive Into Story and Style

Introducing The Big Combo: Why It Still Matters

A Fistful of Dollars: What to Notice on a Rewatch

Anima: A Guide to Watching It Like a Critic

Raging Bull: The Meaning Behind the Moments

12…10