About the Director

Mariam Avetisyan is a documentary filmmaker whose work centers on humanitarian issues and the lived experiences of civilians affected by conflict. In The Desire to Live, Avetisyan takes a deeply human approach, focusing not on military strategy but on the everyday realities faced by families in wartime. Her storytelling emphasizes resilience, dignity, and the emotional cost of displacement. Through firsthand accounts and observational footage, Avetisyan creates a documentary that is both somber and hopeful, highlighting the strength of communities determined to endure.

Film Synopsis

The Desire to Live documents the impact of war on civilians in Artsakh, capturing the devastation to homes, livelihoods, and daily life. The film presents personal stories that reveal both the trauma of conflict and the determination of individuals to rebuild and survive. Narrated by Anne Bedian, the documentary blends testimony with on-the-ground visuals to create an intimate portrait of a community navigating loss and uncertainty. While grounded in the harsh realities of war, the film ultimately emphasizes perseverance and the enduring will to live.

Director’s Statement

Mariam Avetisyan describes the film as an honest and unflinching look at families and survivors determined to remain in their homes despite the destruction of their livelihoods. Her creative vision embraced a non-intrusive, no-commentary style, allowing the people of Artsakh to tell their own stories in their own voices. Avetisyan has spoken of the emotional weight of filming, often moved to tears, driven by an urgent need to reveal the humanitarian consequences of war. Rather than focusing on political arguments or statistics, she sought to center the faces of Artsakh highlighting the universal human right to live safely and with dignity on one’s own land.

Awards & Recognition

The film has received extensive international acclaim, with over 136 awards and 148 official selections globally. 

Cannes Film Festival (October 2021): Winner of Best Director Documentary Feature and Best Indigenous/Native Peoples Film.

Arpa International Film Festival: Winner of Best Feature Length Documentary.

Tekka International Film Festival: Winner of Best Documentary Feature, Best Debut Director, and Best Editor.

Streaming & Festivals: Screened in over 90 cities across 42 countries, including events in Toronto, Austria, and Los Angeles.