Amerikatsi

As a young boy, Charlie (Michael Goorjian) was forced to flee Armenia. When he returns in 1948 to help with the reconstruction, not everyone is charmed by the returned “Amerikatsi”. Despite all the setbacks, Charlie has retained his childlike wonder for the world, even when he is wrongly imprisoned in a Soviet prison upon his return.

With an infectious positivity, he makes the best of his captivity, using the few bright spots to give hope during the dark days. Amerikatsi is the first Armenian film ever to be on the best international Oscar shortlist and is based on a true family story by the director, who dedicates the film to his own grandfather.