Interview with Michael Goorjian, Director of ‘Amerikatsi’
Amerikatsi, the latest project from Michael Goorjian and Armenia’s submission to the Oscars, is a special film, interwining his familial narrative and experience in the Armenian diaspora with the historical tapestry of the Armenian Genocide. It is a deeply personal exploration into the heart of Goorjian's Armenian roots, built on a foundation of layers of identity that span generations and borders. Amerikatsi stands as commitment to give a face to a name and story of a people often overlooked, and in doing so, to create a legacy that transcends borders and generations. Amerikatsi is not just for Armenians but for all unseen cultures yearning to be acknowledged and celebrated.
We had the honor of interviewing Goorjian about Amerikatsi ahead of its inclusion on the Academy Awards’ shortlist for Best International Feature Film.
"My father's side is Armenian. My grandparents on my father's side came over early in the 20th century. They are both survivors of the genocide," Goorjian reveals, exposing the ancestral roots that anchor the film's emotional core. Amerikatsi is, therefore, more than a storytelling endeavor; it is a profound reckoning with familial history and an exploration of the collective Armenian experience. The inspiration behind Amerikatsi can be traced back to Goorjian's first visit to Armenia in 2006. The connection established during this expedition laid the groundwork for inspiration. "I felt a sense of home, I guess," Goorjian reflects, capturing the depth of the impact that Armenia, both as a physical place and a symbol of cultural memories, had on him. "Every story is a piece of my own story, a reflection of my people," Goorjian confesses, his voice acknowledging the power of shared history. "I carry the weight of these stories in my heart."
Upon returning to America, Goorjian came to terms with the harsh reality of Armenia's geopolitical invisibility. The countless deaths of Armenians during the 2020 Nagorno Karabakh conflict and its aftermath went largely unnoticed on the global stage. A unique frustration with global apathy shapes his words: "Not one person I know even knows about what's happening there…people don't see us. People don't know," Goorjian emphasizes, highlighting the frustration felt by an entire people often relegated to the peripheries of history and global awareness. This is a feeling that echoes across borders among the persistent global injustices we face. The underreported struggles and ongoing conflicts faced by Armenia shape the film's goal: to unravel and elevate hidden narratives, and to carve out a space for Armenians within the global narrative.
The title Amerikatsi isn't just a geographical marker, it's a compass to guide the diasporic journey of Armenians in the United States. Amerikatsi is an invitation to explore Armenian culture beyond stereotypes and historic tragedies. Scenes set around the dinner table, musical interludes, and cultural nuances offer an authentic window into the richness of Armenian life. "I want viewers to feel the heartbeat of these characters, to walk in their shoes," Goorjian captures a sense of authenticity by highlighting Armenia beyond the shadows of stereotypes and historical trauma.
Drawing inspiration from Balkan filmmaker Emir Kusturica, known for the films Underground and Black Cat, White Cat, Goorjian endeavors to capture the heart of Armenian culture in his film. Music,—an integral part of Armenian culture—takes center stage in Amerikatsi. It’s soundtrack weaves together pieces by the composer Andranik Berberyan, and the folk tunes of Mikhail Voskanyan, a tar player. Coupled with music from the Armenian Philharmonic, the culturally rich musical backdrop to the film portrays Armenia at its fullest.
Submitted by Armenia for the Academy's Best International Feature Film category, Amerikatsi stands as Goorjian's testament to Armenia's ability to compete on the world stage. The film exists as a vessel for broader awareness, transcending its role solely as entertainment in order to serve as a catalyst for a deeper understanding of a small country often reduced to historic tragedies. Acknowledging the stiff competition in the film’s category, he still remains hopeful: "We have a film that, for the first time in Armenian history, has a shot of getting some attention.”
Goorjian’s vision for Amerikatsi is that it functions as a bridge, connecting people with the untold stories of Armenia, and that it challenges and moves perceptions beyond conventional narratives, creating an impression that fosters a deeper understanding of Armenia's past, present, and future. "I want the art to be a mirror of the Armenian soul, reflecting both the pain and the beauty."Goorjian envisions a world where Armenians are no longer unseen—a world where their stories resonate, and their culture finds a place in the collective human consciousness. "I want Amerikatsi to be a testament to the resilience, strength, and beauty of the Armenian people. These are not just stories; they are the heartbeat of a community that has faced unspeakable challenges."