A Documentary about Forcibly Displaced Youth from Artsakh

In Artsakh, a place of ancient land and deep-rooted heritage, more than 30.000 teenagers lost almost everything. They were forcibly displaced from their homes, leaving behind everything from the comfort of their family life to the memories etched in their town or village streets. Their forced displacement is a painful chapter in history, but it is not the end of their story.

We are creating a documentary that will not just show their pain, but will celebrate their resilience, honor their memories, share their culture, and amplify their courageous voices.

The protagonists of our film are 5 talented young people with hopes, dreams, and the future that were suddenly uprooted. One of the heroes now finds solace in sketching the home she can no longer visit the second carries the melodies of her homeland in her heart. The third is a football player, who dreams of playing on a field not marked by war. The fourth likes baking, she has lost her family recipe book but continues sharing recipes of Artsakh dishes with her friends, neighbors, and acquaintances. The fifth makes ceramic souvenirs with Artsakh patterns.

Their courage in the face of unimaginable loss is an inspiration. Our documentary will follow their journey of rebuilding, healing, and finding a new sense of belonging. It will give them a platform to share their experiences in their own words, a testament to the human spirit's ability to endure and rise again.

Why This Film Matters

The world has heard about the conflict, but rarely does it hear directly from those who are most affected—the children. This film is our chance to change that. By supporting this documentary, you are not just funding a film; you are investing in:

Humanizing the crisis: You will help shed light on the personal stories behind the headlines, moving beyond statistics to reveal the true impact of forced displacement on young lives.

Healing and empowerment: You will provide these teenagers with a therapeutic outlet to share their stories and process their trauma, giving them a sense of control and agency.

Historical preservation: You will help create a lasting document of this moment in history, ensuring their stories are never forgotten.

The Budget Breakdown

We are asking for your help to fund the next crucial stages of our film. Your generous donation will go directly toward:

Category Item Cost (AMD)/USD

Creative Team and Editing

Script/Screenplay 120,000 AMD/ app. $313

Director 250,000 AMD/ app.$652

Cinematographer/Operator 120,000 AMD/app. $313

Editing 150,000 AMD/app. $391

Equipment Rental

Video Equipment 120,000 AMD/ app. $313

Audio Equipment 50,000 AMD/ app.$130

Travel and Accommodation Transportation Costs & Overnight Stays 100,000AMD/ app.$261

Post-Production Costs 90,000 AMD/ app.$235

Marketing & Contingency Advertising Campaign (printing, screenings) + Unforeseen Costs 200,000 AMD/ app. $522

TOTAL 1,200,000 AMD/ app. $3,130 USD

Join Our Mission

This film is a journey from silence to story, and we need your help to complete it. Every donation, no matter the size, brings us one step closer to sharing this vital message with the world. Please donate and share our campaign with your friends and family. Your generosity will be honored in the film's 'Special Thanks' section.

Thank you for your kindness and support.

The Documentary's Creative Team:

Ani Manukyan, producer of the award-winning documentary (The Pomegranate International Film Festival, 2024) "They Won Through Living".

The filmmaker is Sona Aleksanyan.