There Was, There Was Not / Voices of resilience

Name: There Was, There Was Not / Voices of resilience
Start: 2026-04-17T16:30:00+02:00
End: 2026-04-17T19:15:00+02:00
Location: Cinemateket

Schedule

Fri Apr 17 2026 at 04:30 pm to 07:15 pm

UTC+02:00

Location

Cinemateket | Copenhagen , SK

(Danish below)
There Was, There Was Not / Voices of resilience
Friday April 17th, 16:30 - 19:15

The first line of every Armenian fairy tale, There Was, There Was Not, tells the collective myth of a homeland lost forever – and four women’s resistance to that loss. The documentary follows these women living in the Republic of Artsakh, an unrecognized country dealing with the aftermath of a war. In the midst of this uncertainty, they build a life with the hope of making their home a better place. Through intimate scenes of daily routines, conversations, and quiet moments, we witness their everyday lives and deep connections to their homeland. When a new war breaks out, some remain and take part in the defense efforts while others leave, as the region undergoes significant upheaval and displacement.
Trigger warning: Depictions of war and displacement.
Director: Emily Mkrtichian
Armenia, 2024
Armenian with English subtitles
93 min
Event: The event begins with a brief introduction to the film and the historic backdrop of the film, including the Nagorno‑Karabakh conflict. After the film, refreshments are served in Asta Bar and the audience can explore the film’s topic through conversation prompts and resources. The Armenian choir, Komitas, will perform a short, intimate program. Lastly, guests can reflect on the film and performance while enjoying drinks and art. The event will be in English.
Danish:
There Was, There Was Not / Modstandsfortællinger
Fredag 17. April, 16:30 - 19:15

Den første linje i hvert armensk eventyr, There Was, There Was Not, åbner for fortællingen om et hjemland i forandring – og om fire kvinder, der hver især forholder sig til dets tab. Filmen følger kvinderne i Republikken Artsakh, et ikke-anerkendt land præget af livet efter en krig. Her forsøger de at skabe hverdage, relationer og fremtidshåb i en uforudsigelig virkelighed. Gennem sanselige glimt af rutiner, samtaler og stille øjeblikke tegner dokumentaren et nært portræt af deres liv og deres vedvarende bånd til deres hjemland. Når en ny krig bryder ud, vælger nogle at blive og bidrage til forsvaret, mens andre rejser, og regionen endnu en gang kastes ud i uro og fordrivelse.
Trigger-advarsel: Skildring af krig og fordrivelse.
Instruktør: Emily Mkrtichian
Armenien, 2024
Armensk med engelske undertitler
93 minutter
Event
Eventet begynder med en kort introduktion til filmen og dens historiske baggrund, herunder konflikten i Nagorno-Karabakh. Efter filmen serveres der forfriskninger i Asta Bar, og publikum kan udforske filmens tema gennem samtalestartere og materialer. Derefter giver det armenske kirkekor Komitas en kort, intim koncert i baren. Sidst, kan gæsterne reflektere over filmen og koncerten, mens de nyder drinks og kunst. Arrangementet foregår på engelsk.