A charming narrative of a man imprisoned for an innocuous fashion choice has ushered Armenian cinema onto the world stage, securing a place on the Oscar’s shortlist in the category of international feature film. This marks a momentous first for the nation’s film industry. The movie at the heart of this achievement is “Amerikatsi,” a term translating to “American” in Armenian, which covers a tale far removed from the frequently addressed topic of the Armenian genocide. The film aims to strike a chord with both Armenian and international audiences.
Michael A. Goorjian, an American actor with Armenian heritage, took on the roles of a star, director, and writer of “Amerikatsi”. Shooting took place in Armenia, harnessing the skills and talents of a largely local team in front of and behind the camera. This creative endeavor also serves a bigger purpose: resuscitating the Armenian film industry, which saw declining fortunes following the nation’s 1991 independence from the Soviet Union.
Goorjian, whose father was Armenian, intended the film’s message to resonate with themes of survival and resilience. Though set against a backdrop of historical struggle, the film maintains a fundamentally optimistic and playful spirit. “Amerikatsi” narrates the story of Charlie, an American who moves to Soviet Armenia after World War II. His sartorial choice—a simple tie—landed him in prison. From his cell, Charlie’s only solace and connection to the world is the glimpse he gets into the life of a couple inhabiting an adjacent apartment.
The production of the film faced its own set of challenges, including a filming process hindered by the COVID-19 pandemic. Shooting extended over approximately seven months, concluding in July 2020 amidst the outbreak of border hostilities between Armenia and Azerbaijan. These difficult conditions became part of the film’s story, as some cast and crew members left the set to join the military efforts in the conflict. Goorjian reflected on these hurdles, recognizing that they contributed in a significant way to the depth and power of the final product.
The world premiere of “Amerikatsi” took place at the Woodstock Film Festival in 2022 and found a receptive audience. At a time when international conflict and financial woes dominate global news, “Amerikatsi” has tapped into an innate human desire for stories that uplift and inspire positivity. Goorjian shares that viewers frequently express a nostalgia for films that leave them feeling good—an emotional experience they encounter with “Amerikatsi.”
The film has clearly made an impact, and its success on the shortlist raises anticipation for the upcoming Academy Awards nominations announcement scheduled for January 23. Should “Amerikatsi” make the leap from the shortlist to the nominations, it would further cement its role not only as a piece of Armenian pride but also as a testament to the universal language of cinema that transcends cultural and geographical boundaries.
The journey of “Amerikatsi” reflects the growing expansion of world cinema in mainstream awards, highlighting the importance of diverse narratives and the power of storytelling to bridge experiences. As Armenia celebrates this cinematic milestone, “Amerikatsi” carries the hopes of its vibrant yet underrepresented film community onto the global stage, demonstrating the resilience and artistry that proclaim cinema as a truly international endeavor.
