Michael Goorjian is back in Gyumri five years after filming his award-winning movie Amerikatsi. Together with CivilNet, Michael walks through the same streets where the film was shot, reflecting on the experience of creating the movie in Armenia and sharing his thoughts on the state and future of Armenian cinema.

The film will be available on Amazon, AppleTV, YouTube and other platforms on Dec 19.

00:00 – Returning to Gyumri / memories of filming Amerikatsi

00:40 – First impressions of Armenia and early family connection

02:00 – Filming in Gyumri: locations, atmosphere, challenges

03:20 – Depicting Soviet Armenia and discovering local stories

05:10 – COVID delays and how the long shoot changed the film

06:40 – Developing the idea of Amerikatsi and avoiding clichés

08:20 – Researching repatriation and life in Soviet Armenia

10:00 – Culture clashes and learning to work with Armenian crews

12:40 – Universal themes: bureaucracy, absurdity, and humanity

15:30 – Film production details: sets, continuity, and creative choices

17:10 – Oscars: rules, challenges, and what Armenia needs to succeed