Interviewing filmmaker Jivan Avetisyan

1. What inspired you to become a film director, and what drives your creative vision?

I was 10 years old, living in the village of Khachmach in Artsakh—about 20 minutes east of Shushi, 40 minutes from Stepanakert, and not far from the Azerbaijani border. The scenery was breathtaking. Every time I played in our backyard or roamed the village, I would tell myself that one day I would make a film about my village. That dream became a reality with my second feature film, The Last Inhabitant.

What inspired me to become a film director wasn’t just the art itself—it was the need to preserve memory, to give voice to the unseen and unheard.

What drives my creative vision today is still deeply rooted in everything related to Artsakh: the faces, the silence, the strength of my people. I want my films to be bridges—between past and future, war and peace, home and exile. I believe cinema has the power to make people feel, remember, and most importantly, understand.

2. Can you tell us about your latest project? 

What was the spark that ignited the idea, and how did you develop it?

My latest project is Revival, which is currently in post-production. Principal photography took place on location in Armenia and Cyprus. The story began its development back in 2018, but the real spark that ignited the project came during the 2020 Artsakh War. I spent 38 days on the ground, witnessing the horrors unfolding in real time. I began documenting everything—capturing photos and footage—because I felt an urgent responsibility to tell the story of what was happening to us through cinema.

That experience reshaped the narrative and gave the film its emotional core. Revival explores themes of loss, survival, and identity in the aftermath of war. A unique element of the story is the inclusion of an AI system as a central character—representing a contrast between technological advancement and human devastation. It’s a layered, character-driven drama with both personal and universal resonance.

3. How do you approach working with actors, and what do you look for in a performance?

My characters are all emotionally and psychologically complex, so it’s crucial for me to work closely with the actors from the very beginning. I start by having in-depth conversations about the project even before casting is finalized. I want to ensure they fully understand not only their character’s inner world but also the broader context—particularly the Armenian cause, our struggles, and our resilience.

Throughout the rehearsal process and all the way into production, I encourage complete immersion. I look for performances that are deeply authentic and grounded in emotional truth. It’s not just about delivering lines—it’s about embodying a lived experience. When an actor fully inhabits the role and connects with the historical and cultural weight behind the story, that’s when the performance transcends the screen.

4. Your films often explore complex themes and social issues. Can you talk about what motivates you to tackle these topics?

What motivates me to explore complex themes and social issues in my films is a deep sense of responsibility—to my people, to our history, and to the truth. I come from a region where conflict, resilience, and identity are not abstract ideas—they’re part of everyday life. I’ve witnessed the impact of war, displacement, and cultural erasure firsthand, especially in the wake of the loss of Artsakh. I believe cinema has the power to humanize these realities in a way that news headlines cannot.

For me, filmmaking is both activism and preservation. It’s a way to amplify voices that are often silenced, to capture stories that might otherwise be forgotten. I don’t approach these topics to provoke—I approach them to engage, to spark dialogue, and to hopefully create empathy and awareness.

5. How do you balance your creative vision with the commercial demands of the film industry?

Balancing creative vision with the commercial demands of the film industry is essential. While a powerful film starts with a strong artistic vision, storytelling must also be evaluated for its market potential. It’s not enough for a film to be creatively compelling—its theme needs to resonate widely and be structured in a way that connects with audiences. The story must be both meaningful and commercially viable.

6. What advice would you give to aspiring female filmmakers who want to break into the industry?

My advice is simple: create films. In recent years, there has been a global emphasis on supporting female filmmakers, and it’s encouraging to see more women stepping into the spotlight. My team is primarily made up of women, and I continuously encourage them to pursue their dreams. Filmmaking is undoubtedly challenging, but if it’s truly your passion, don’t let anything hold you back. Keep creating—your voice matters!

7. Can you walk us through your writing process? 

Do you have any specific habits or rituals that help you stay creative?

My writing process comes from the heart and my emotional state. I won’t make a film unless it stirs something deeply emotional in me. All of my films—Tevanik, The Last Inhabitant, Gate to Heaven, Revival, Angels 2020, Black List, The Stateless Diplomat, Baa’bel, and Soul Country—provide a sense of emotional release. They are, in many ways, a form of therapy. If I don’t feel a strong emotional or personal connection to the story, I simply won’t pursue it.

I also like to be surrounded by my family and friends during the process. Their encouragement and support give me great motivation and help fuel my creativity.

8. How do you collaborate with your writers and scriptwriters to develop a screenplay?

I look for writers who are mature, professional, and have a forward-thinking approach to storytelling. I work very closely with them, taking the time to ensure they understand my emotional state and are fully aligned with my vision. It’s also essential that they deeply understand each character and their psychological state, so the story can remain truthful, layered, and emotionally resonant.

Although I’ve never felt the urge to become a scriptwriter myself, I spend a significant amount of time with the writers so they can truly understand me, my emotions, and the heart of the story. I need them to fully immerse themselves in the world of the film.

9. What role do you think storytelling plays in shaping our understanding of the world and ourselves?

Storytelling is one of the most powerful tools we have for understanding the world and ourselves. Through stories, we process trauma, preserve memory, build empathy, and make sense of our place in history. As a filmmaker, I believe cinema can go beyond entertainment—it can be a tool for healing.

For me, storytelling is also an act of responsibility. Coming from a region marked by conflict and displacement, I’ve seen firsthand how stories can preserve truths that might otherwise be forgotten. When we tell stories rooted in human experience, we not only give voice to those who’ve been silenced, but we also invite others to feel, reflect, and engage. That’s how change begins—through awareness, understanding, and emotional connection.

10. How do you stay current with industry trends and technological advancements in filmmaking?

I stay current with industry trends and technological advancements by attending major film markets like the Berlinale and Cannes. I recently participated in the Marché du Film in Cannes, where innovation and AI were front and center. In fact, my latest feature, Revival, includes a key AI character, and understanding emerging tech was crucial for developing this role through visual effects.

Over a year ago, I also began working with Largo.ai—a platform that accelerates content development with AI-driven insights. From script and character analysis to financial forecasting and casting recommendations, their tools are designed to support producers, distributors, and studios in making smarter, data-informed decisions. I used Largo’s platform for a year to better evaluate the market potential of my upcoming project, Black List. At the same time, Largo.ai selected the project for presentation during a special AI Pitching Session at Cannes, as part of their official partnership with the festival. The session showcased projects identified by Largo’s predictive analytics, further validating Black List’s international potential.

11. Can you tell us about a particularly challenging project you've worked on, and how you overcame any obstacles?

Every film project comes with its own unique challenges. It often depends on the complexity of the story—different timelines, layered characters, and the emotional depth required. But across all my films, the biggest obstacle has always been financing.

You constantly have to look for creative ways to fundraise or apply for support through various European film funds. It’s a long and competitive process. In addition, the Armenian cinema industry offers very limited funding opportunities, which makes it even more difficult to develop and produce ambitious films locally.

12. What themes or genres are you most drawn to, and why?

I’m deeply drawn to socially engaged dramas grounded in real events—stories that explore war, identity, displacement, memory, and the resilience of the human spirit. These themes reflect my personal history and the experiences of my people. Growing up during the conflicts in the Caucasus and witnessing the tragedies of the Artsakh Wars shaped my worldview and artistic voice. I believe cinema has the power to preserve memory, confront truth, and inspire empathy, especially in a world where many stories remain unheard.

These convictions led me to establish both Fish eye Art Cultural Foundation and LifeTree Pictures. Founded in 2014, Fish eye Art focuses on high-art films with emotional and social impact, crafted for a global audience. In 2021, I founded LifeTree Pictures to further expand this mission. Its focus is on developing films that are rooted in universal human values yet told through an Armenian lens—bridging cultures while remaining authentic.

13. How do you see the film industry evolving in the next few years, and what opportunities or challenges do you think this will bring?

The film industry is evolving rapidly, and I believe the next few years will bring both exciting opportunities and new challenges. With the rise of AI, virtual production, and data-driven platforms like Largo.ai, filmmakers now have tools that can streamline development and even forecast audience reception. At the same time, streaming services continue to democratize access to global audiences, creating more space for diverse, cross-cultural stories.

However, these advancements also bring challenges—especially for independent filmmakers. Securing financing and distribution remains difficult, and algorithms increasingly shape what gets seen. Yet, this also means there’s a growing appetite for authentic, untold stories—something independent cinema does best. As someone working outside the Hollywood system, I value the creative freedom and personal storytelling that independent film allows.

Looking ahead, I believe filmmakers who embrace innovation while staying grounded in authentic storytelling will shape the future of cinema.

14. What's next for you? Any upcoming projects you can share with us?

What’s next for me is to continue creating with urgency and purpose. There are so many stories within our culture, history, and present-day struggles that need to be told—stories that help us reclaim and control our narrative. For me, filmmaking isn’t just a career—it’s a commitment to truth, memory, and cultural preservation.

My upcoming slate includes several diverse and ambitious projects currently in development:

Black List - A gripping political thriller inspired by true events, Black List follows the harrowing journey of travel blogger Alexander Lapshin, who is blacklisted and imprisoned for visiting Artsakh. The film unpacks high-stakes themes of freedom of expression, international law, and authoritarian overreach. Tense, timely, and character-driven, it explores the human cost of speaking truth to power.

Angels 2020 - This emotionally charged war drama pays tribute to the unsung heroes of the 2020 Artsakh War—doctors and medics who risked their lives on the frontlines. With a raw, immersive narrative and intimate character arcs, Angels 2020 captures the chaos of conflict through a humanitarian lens, portraying medicine as both resistance and redemption.

The Stateless Diplomat - A prestige historical limited series, The Stateless Diplomat chronicles the extraordinary life of Diana Apcar—the Armenian first female de facto consul in the 20th century. Blending biographical storytelling with political intrigue and emotional depth, the series highlights her diplomatic efforts and humanitarian fight for displaced Armenians in the wake of genocide and global indifference.

Baa’bel - An animated action-fantasy epic, Baa’bel reimagines the mythic battle between Hayk, the forefather of the Armenian nation, and the tyrant Bel. With a bold visual language, dynamic world-building, and a stirring score, the film merges ancient legend with modern cinematic sensibilities, creating a culturally rich, universally resonant hero’s journey.

Soul Country - A metaphysical dramedy with poetic undertones, Soul Country follows a French-Armenian woman’s first trip to Armenia to honor her mother’s final wish. As comedy and drama intertwine, the film explores spiritual belonging, inherited memory, and the deeply personal process of reconnecting with ancestral roots—all set against a lyrical Armenian landscape.

Each of these projects is rooted in the same mission: to tell authentic, meaningful stories that resonate beyond borders and contribute to global dialogue. I’m committed to continuing this work—not just as a filmmaker, but as a cultural storyteller, preserving what must not be forgotten.