From left to right: Ivan, Olga, Julia, and Violetta Petrosyan. | Credit: Photo courtesy of the Petrosyan family

Movie Based on Armenian Family Escaping Azerbaijan to Be Released Nationwide on January 26

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LOS ANGELES — “Between Borders,” a movie based on the real-life story of Ivan and Violetta Petrosyan will be released in theaters nationwide for only three days only — January 26-28.

“Between Borders” centers on Ivan and Violetta Petrosyan, who, in a crumbling Soviet Union, are outcasts wherever they go. Armenian heritage marks them for discrimination both at home in Azerbaijan and in Russia. The film is based on a riveting true story of faith and hope set amidst great oppression in the shadow of exile.

The film stars Elizabeth Tabish, who is of Armenian descent, known for her portrayal of Mary Magdalene in “The Chosen.” Tabish has had notable appearances in the series “The Son and Panic” and the films “The Shift,” “Christmas with the Chosen: The Messengers” and the recently released “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.”

Based on real events that took place in the late 1980s during the conflict in the Nagorno-Karabakh region, which created hundreds of thousands of refugees, “Between Borders” follows the perilous journey of Violetta (Tabish) and Ivan Petrosyan (Patrick Sabongui), and their two young daughters, and the challenges they face in their search for a place to call home, and aims to capture the desperation and resilience at the heart of the refugee experience.

The film also stars Elizabeth Mitchell of “Lost” and Stan Mayer.

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“If there ever was a film for Armenians everywhere to rally behind, this is that film,” said Armen Karaoghlanian, founder and CEO of the Armenian Film Society. “This is a film that will resonate with Armenians around the world, as well as anyone who has ever chased a dream.”

The film had its festival premiere at the 2024 Armenian Film Festival in September, where the Armenian community of Los Angeles had a first-look at the film. The cast and crew, including the film’s real-life subjects Ivan and Violetta Petrosyan, joined the premiere for a Q&A.

Tickets are now available, and audiences are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance, which could help the film receive an extension beyond its three day theatrical run.

To see a clip of the film, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XMNHzfS1ers.

In addition, Armenian Film Society will be hosting a screening of the film on Sunday, January 26 at 5:30 p.m. at AMC Americana at Brand, followed by a Q&A with actress Elizabeth Tabish, director Mark Freiburger, and producer Ken Carpenter.

To purchase tickets or find out more about the movie, visit www.betweenbordersmovie.com.

 

 

 

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