ALT B: The Refugee Paradox

The Refugee Paradox explores the complex and often misunderstood reality of displacement through the experiences of Armenians from Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) and other Armenian communities with three short films.

The word ‘refugee’ implies the existence of refuge — a place of safety and protection. Yet for many, displacement is not temporary but an ongoing condition marked by instability, discrimination, poverty, and repeated migration(s).

Through three short films addressing different experiences of war and forced displacement, the event examines what remains after exile and loss — the loss of life, land, home and roots. A particular and urgent focus will be on the Armenians from Artsakh living in Armenia — a country that is not their homeland — and abroad, as displaced people facing profound uncertainty about their future.

The screenings will be followed by an in-depth discussion with the filmmakers and invited speakers from Artsakh.

Films:
My Dearest Artsakh (2024, 14 min)
What Can I Tell You? We Lost Everything (2024, 6 min)
Armat (2024, 14 min)

Guests:
Laura Avetisyan, journalist at Bloomberg
Anna Mkrtumyan, filmmaker
Ara Oshagan, artist
Susanna Petrosyan, founder/chair of Armenian Women’s Network UK
Balin Schneider, filmmaker

Moderators:
Kira Adibekov & Tatevik Ayvazyan (AFSL)