ABOUT THIS PROJECT
“The Other Side of Despair” is a poignant exploration of the relationship between art, identity, and survival in the face of immense adversity. The documentary film follows Art Petrosyan, a young Armenian artist who sets fire to his own paintings.
The film was shot in the aftermath of the forced deportation of 120,000 ethnic Armenians from Artsakh. Through this intimate portrait, the film offers a unique perspective on the profound impact of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict on the lives and creative expression of those affected.
“The Other Side of Despair” was created to engage, inform, and inspire audiences, shedding light on a complex and often overlooked conflict while celebrating the indomitable spirit of those who continue to create in the face of adversity.
Filmed in Yerevan, Armenia, and produced in Switzerland, this 8.5-minute documentary has screened in the official selection of over 20 international festivals and has won Best Short Documentary at 6 international festivals, including Best Doc at New Jersey Independent Film Festival, Hong Kong Arthouse Film Festival, Doc.Sydney, The Ardennes International Film Festival, Doc.London, and the Brussels Independent Film Festival.
