DIRECTOR: Sareen Hairabedian
STARRING: documentary
RUNNING TIME: 1 hr 26 minutes
LANGUAGE: Armenian
For 11 year old Vrej, life in his homeland Artsakh is like a paradise, but when war starts again, can he carry a nation's hopes on his young shoulders?
***
My Sweet Land is Sareen Hairabedian's debut feature, following her documentary short We Are Not Done Yet, which was made for HBO. The film had its worldwide debut at the Sheffield Documentary Film Festival this year. It has since placed in a number of festivals including the Amman International Film Festival in July, where it won the Jury Award for Best Feature Documentary and the FIPRESCI Award for Best Feature Length Arab Documentary.
The selection was made by a committee overseen by the Royal Film Commission.
The film is produced by Azza Hourani under the banner of HAI Creative in co-production with Sister Productions and Soilsíu Films, a co-production of ITVS in association with ARTE France and World of HA Productions. Co-producers are Julie Paratian and David Rane.
My Sweet Land is a documentary and it was filmed in Artsakh, Nagorno-Karabakh, which has been at the heart of a violent dispute between Azerbaijan and Armenia since the 1980s.
To check out all previous submissions for Jordan, click HERE.
STARRING: documentary
RUNNING TIME: 1 hr 26 minutes
LANGUAGE: Armenian
For 11 year old Vrej, life in his homeland Artsakh is like a paradise, but when war starts again, can he carry a nation's hopes on his young shoulders?
***
My Sweet Land is Sareen Hairabedian's debut feature, following her documentary short We Are Not Done Yet, which was made for HBO. The film had its worldwide debut at the Sheffield Documentary Film Festival this year. It has since placed in a number of festivals including the Amman International Film Festival in July, where it won the Jury Award for Best Feature Documentary and the FIPRESCI Award for Best Feature Length Arab Documentary.
The selection was made by a committee overseen by the Royal Film Commission.
The film is produced by Azza Hourani under the banner of HAI Creative in co-production with Sister Productions and Soilsíu Films, a co-production of ITVS in association with ARTE France and World of HA Productions. Co-producers are Julie Paratian and David Rane.
My Sweet Land is a documentary and it was filmed in Artsakh, Nagorno-Karabakh, which has been at the heart of a violent dispute between Azerbaijan and Armenia since the 1980s.
To check out all previous submissions for Jordan, click HERE.
FILM REVIEW:
(This review contains spoilers.)
“What’s going to happen to me? Am I going to live?”
My Sweet Land, directed by Sareen Hairabedian, is a breathtaking and deeply moving documentary that transcends the boundaries of traditional filmmaking to deliver a powerful and intimate portrayal of life in the war-torn Republic of Artsakh. Set against the backdrop of a nation grappling with existential threats, this film provides an unparalleled glimpse into the emotional and psychological landscape of its people, most poignantly through the eyes of its young protagonist, Vrej. Hairabedian’s masterful storytelling and empathetic cinéma vérité style allow us to step into a world that is both foreign and universal, where hope and resilience shine through even in the darkest of times.
At the heart of My Sweet Land is Vrej, an eleven-year-old boy whose dream of becoming a dentist becomes a symbol of hope amidst the chaos of war. Through his eyes, we experience life in Artsakh, from moments of childlike innocence to the harsh reality of preparing for conflict. The decision to center the film around Vrej is brilliant, as his personal journey offers a deeply relatable anchor for the audience. His resilience, determination, and quiet strength remind us that even in the most dire circumstances, the human spirit can endure and dream of a brighter future.
The film’s cinematography is simply stunning, with sweeping shots of Artsakh’s landscapes juxtaposed with the close, intimate moments of Vrej’s life. Hairabedian’s ability to capture both the beauty and the tension of the region is nothing short of remarkable. From peaceful scenes of boys playing in vineyards to the unsettling sight of children being trained in military exercises, the film strikes a delicate balance between peace and conflict, offering a nuanced view of life in a region perpetually on the brink of war. The imagery lingers long after the credits roll, leaving the viewer with a profound sense of place and a deeper understanding of the human cost of conflict.
What truly sets My Sweet Land apart, however, is its emotional depth. Hairabedian, who has Armenian roots herself, brings a personal connection to the story that permeates every frame. Her compassion and dedication to telling this story are evident in the way she weaves together the lives of Vrej, his family, and the people of Artsakh, creating a tapestry of resilience and love for their homeland. The film not only sheds light on the physical and emotional toll of war but also highlights the enduring bonds of family and community that give Vrej and others the strength to persevere.
My Sweet Land is a cinematic triumph. It is a film that moves the heart, challenges the mind, and reminds us of the importance of home, dreams, and the power of the human spirit. Sareen Hairabedian’s delicate yet impactful direction, combined with Vrej’s captivating story, makes this a must-watch documentary. It stands as both a tribute to the people of Artsakh and a universal call for peace and empathy in a world too often consumed by conflict. This is not just a film, it’s a powerful reminder of the resilience of humanity.
(This review contains spoilers.)
“What’s going to happen to me? Am I going to live?”
My Sweet Land, directed by Sareen Hairabedian, is a breathtaking and deeply moving documentary that transcends the boundaries of traditional filmmaking to deliver a powerful and intimate portrayal of life in the war-torn Republic of Artsakh. Set against the backdrop of a nation grappling with existential threats, this film provides an unparalleled glimpse into the emotional and psychological landscape of its people, most poignantly through the eyes of its young protagonist, Vrej. Hairabedian’s masterful storytelling and empathetic cinéma vérité style allow us to step into a world that is both foreign and universal, where hope and resilience shine through even in the darkest of times.
At the heart of My Sweet Land is Vrej, an eleven-year-old boy whose dream of becoming a dentist becomes a symbol of hope amidst the chaos of war. Through his eyes, we experience life in Artsakh, from moments of childlike innocence to the harsh reality of preparing for conflict. The decision to center the film around Vrej is brilliant, as his personal journey offers a deeply relatable anchor for the audience. His resilience, determination, and quiet strength remind us that even in the most dire circumstances, the human spirit can endure and dream of a brighter future.
The film’s cinematography is simply stunning, with sweeping shots of Artsakh’s landscapes juxtaposed with the close, intimate moments of Vrej’s life. Hairabedian’s ability to capture both the beauty and the tension of the region is nothing short of remarkable. From peaceful scenes of boys playing in vineyards to the unsettling sight of children being trained in military exercises, the film strikes a delicate balance between peace and conflict, offering a nuanced view of life in a region perpetually on the brink of war. The imagery lingers long after the credits roll, leaving the viewer with a profound sense of place and a deeper understanding of the human cost of conflict.
What truly sets My Sweet Land apart, however, is its emotional depth. Hairabedian, who has Armenian roots herself, brings a personal connection to the story that permeates every frame. Her compassion and dedication to telling this story are evident in the way she weaves together the lives of Vrej, his family, and the people of Artsakh, creating a tapestry of resilience and love for their homeland. The film not only sheds light on the physical and emotional toll of war but also highlights the enduring bonds of family and community that give Vrej and others the strength to persevere.
My Sweet Land is a cinematic triumph. It is a film that moves the heart, challenges the mind, and reminds us of the importance of home, dreams, and the power of the human spirit. Sareen Hairabedian’s delicate yet impactful direction, combined with Vrej’s captivating story, makes this a must-watch documentary. It stands as both a tribute to the people of Artsakh and a universal call for peace and empathy in a world too often consumed by conflict. This is not just a film, it’s a powerful reminder of the resilience of humanity.
