In the ravaged landscape of the breakaway state of Artsakh, the fragile threads of four women's aspirations are mercilessly snapped by the shattering reality of war. Shot in a region where decades of Soviet-era discrimination and ongoing military tensions have left an indelible mark on the predominantly Armenian population, Emily Mkrtichian's poignant feature debut serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact that conflict can have on even the most determined individuals.
For Sose, Siranush, Gayane, and Sveta, war is not just a distant rumble, but an existential threat to their very way of life. Each has a unique story of resilience and determination - from Sose's Olympic dreams to Siranush's bid for local politics - which are cruelly derailed by the unyielding march of war.
As sirens pierce the air and explosions send tremors through the ground, the women's lives are turned upside down. For Gayane and her family, displacement becomes an inescapable reality as they flee their homeland to take refuge in Armenia. Sose is forced to abandon her sports career and join the military, a bitter pill to swallow after spending countless hours teaching judo to children.
The film captures these women's stories with unflinching intimacy, capturing the dynamism of their individual experiences amidst the chaos of war. Yet, it is in the tragic intersection of their lives that Mkrtichian reveals the unforgiving nature of conflict - a phenomenon where even the most determined aspirations can be brutally snuffed out.
What was once a beacon of hope and possibility for these women becomes a desolate landscape of shattered dreams and unfulfilled potential. As Sveta defuses mines in the verdant landscape, she embodies the indomitable spirit that defines her community - but it is a resilience tempered by the knowledge that their struggles are far from over.
There Was, There Was Not serves as a poignant reminder that even amidst the most determined efforts to build a better future, war can brutally destroy the very fabric of hope itself.
For Sose, Siranush, Gayane, and Sveta, war is not just a distant rumble, but an existential threat to their very way of life. Each has a unique story of resilience and determination - from Sose's Olympic dreams to Siranush's bid for local politics - which are cruelly derailed by the unyielding march of war.
As sirens pierce the air and explosions send tremors through the ground, the women's lives are turned upside down. For Gayane and her family, displacement becomes an inescapable reality as they flee their homeland to take refuge in Armenia. Sose is forced to abandon her sports career and join the military, a bitter pill to swallow after spending countless hours teaching judo to children.
The film captures these women's stories with unflinching intimacy, capturing the dynamism of their individual experiences amidst the chaos of war. Yet, it is in the tragic intersection of their lives that Mkrtichian reveals the unforgiving nature of conflict - a phenomenon where even the most determined aspirations can be brutally snuffed out.
What was once a beacon of hope and possibility for these women becomes a desolate landscape of shattered dreams and unfulfilled potential. As Sveta defuses mines in the verdant landscape, she embodies the indomitable spirit that defines her community - but it is a resilience tempered by the knowledge that their struggles are far from over.
There Was, There Was Not serves as a poignant reminder that even amidst the most determined efforts to build a better future, war can brutally destroy the very fabric of hope itself.
I just watched this film and it's literally heart-wrenching! The way the director captured the struggles of these women is so raw and real, you feel like you're right there with them. It's crazy to think that even when they have big dreams and aspirations, war can just come along and crush them. But what I love about this film is how it shows their resilience and determination in the face of all this destruction. These women are the real heroes 
, and I think we could all learn from their strength and courage. The cinematography is stunning too - it's like you're walking through a war-torn landscape alongside them. 
i'm totally invested in these four women's stories now - Sose is like an inspiration to me lol she never gave up on her olympic dreams even when everything around her was falling apart 
but at the same time, i feel so bad for all of them being put through this trauma 
and the cinematography is just stunning 
it's so heartbreaking how these women's lives are turned upside down by war 
their stories of resilience and determination are just making me want to do more to support them 
Sose's Olympic dreams, Gayane's family fleeing home... it's like, I'm literally crying for them 
I wish there was a way to stop the conflict and let these women have their lives back 
. We need more than just films to raise awareness, we need action and support for these communities. I'm all for using art as a tool for change but it's like, what's the next step? How do we make sure that these stories don't get lost in the silence?