Armenia was shortlisted for the Oscar

In the shortlist for the Oscar in the foreign film category, a film from Armenia was included and, apart from the qualities that brought it closer to the American Film Academy award, it drew the public's attention to the fact that this country had never before had such a high-ranking candidate for the Oscar.

It is the film "Amerikatsi" (Armenian: "American") by the American actor Michael A. Gurian who directed it.

"Most of the films that have been made about Armenia usually revolve around the genocide. I wanted to make a film that would be enjoyable for Armenians and something that non-Armenians could relate to," said Michael A. Gurian, who also stars in the film.

He explained that the film is about “survival and resilience. Despite the environment, he is full of hope and playfulness."

The film was shot in Armenia with mostly local actors, and represents an attempt to rebuild the film industry in that country after independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.

Filming was interrupted twice: the first time due to the covid pandemic, and the second time due to border conflicts between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

“We had cast and crew that went off and fought in the war. It was a challenge to make this film. "But all the obstacles we faced, I would say, actually made it a better film," Gurian said.

"The Americans" premiered at the Woodstock Film Festival in 2022, and awakened people's need for positivity.

"People come up to me all the time and say: I miss this feeling after a movie, a good feeling," said the director.

Let's remind you that the film "What My Thoughts Struggle", Serbia's representative for the Oscars, was not even included in the wider selection.