Film Lens
1489 is an Armenian war documentary directed by Shoghakat Vardanyan. The film captures her personal experience as she searches for her brother, Soghomon Vardanyan, who went missing during the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War in September 2020. Soghomon, a 21-year-old music student, disappeared on the seventh day of the conflict between the Republic of Artsakh and Azerbaijan. The film spans over three years, documenting the emotional turmoil faced by Shoghakat and her family as they seek answers regarding his fate.
The title '1489' refers to the number assigned to Soghomon's unidentified remains, representing many soldiers who died in the conflict without recognition. Six months after his disappearance, human remains were found, but it took over a year and a half for the family to receive DNA test results to confirm the identity. Using her smartphone, Shoghakat captures intimate footage that reflects the family's struggle and hope throughout this painful search.
Why Watch
- •Follow Shoghakat's emotional search for her brother Soghomon.
- •See the impact of the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War on families.
- •Meet the families of soldiers who remain unidentified.
Did You Know
•Soghomon Vardanyan went missing on the seventh day of the war in 2020.
•The film is 76 minutes long and was released in 2023.
•It took over a year and a half for the family to get DNA test results.
•The title '1489' is the number assigned to Soghomon's remains.
Perfect For
Armenian historyWar documentariesFamily loss narratives