DOCUMENTARY | 90 MIN | 2020 | ARMENIA | DIR: HAKOB MELKONYAN | MA15+ | ARMENIAN TAVUSH DIALECT WITH ENGLISH SUBTITLES

Chinari is a small village in the Tavush region of Armenia - on the border with Azerbaijan. A peaceful farm’s tranquility is interrupted by the overhead sounds of gunfire.

For thirty years, the people of Chinari have been trying to survive the war between the Azeris and the Armenians through the difficult conditions imposed by the blockade.

The Petrossian family is just one of the families who have built their home in Chinari. The film takes an intimate look into their daily life in their struggle for survival. Melkonyan captures both moments of joy and dangers of living so close to the border; where there is a desire for peace yet an existence living in fear. Following their lives and seeing the ways they’ve adapted, this documentary is a powerful look at the brave Armenians standing their ground at the edge of a hostile environment.

Content warning: Contains scenes of animal sacrifice, war themes

SPECIAL EVENT: Q&A

The screening will be followed by a Panel Discussion about life on the border with a hostile neighbour Azerbaijan.