Set in 2023 in Artsakh, the film depicts the life of thirteen-year-old Ani, whose daily routine now includes residing in the bomb shelter of her house with her little brother and grandmother. The sounds of shelling echo all around, and while Ani can see the mountains through a gap in the shelter, the reality of her situation is all too real. The backdrop of a humble Armenian lunch table, bearing the scars of a nine-month blockade.

Sometime later, Ani's parents return home. Her mother is a medical worker, and her father is serving on the front line. With the situation rapidly deteriorating, the family must evacuate their home, leaving behind everything they once knew. Ani's father will remain behind to fight, just like her late brother, who lost his life in the 2020 war.

In a cruel twist of fate, Ani discovers that her mother must also remain on the front line due to a shortage of medical personnel. Heartbroken, Ani sets out on the traumatic journey towards safety with her little brother and grandmother. All that remains behind is the chaos of war and a once-beloved home, now destroyed. 

The cast that we have begun working with are natives of the Artsakh region in which the film is set. We will use their dialogue so, the scriptwriting process remains collaborative. 

After the film finishes, we will include consented real footage that we have gathered and licensed from interviews and news stories to ensure that there is a touch of absolute realism.

• Raise Global Awareness: We aim to significantly raise international awareness about the Artsakh tragedy and the experiences of the affected citizens.
• Humanize the Story: Through our film, we strive to humanize the narrative, ensuring that the real stories of individuals are told, heard, and understood without the influence of political aspects. Also provides a platform for their voices to be acknowledged on an international stage.
• Promote Empathy: We want to evoke empathy and understanding among viewers, fostering a sense of connection to the people who endured these hardships.
• Integrating Armenian actors from Artsakh: The entire acting crew is sourced from the talented actors of Stepanakert's theater named after Vahram Papazyan. This approach ensures authenticity and provides them with a meaningful opportunity to return to their beloved profession while telling a story close to their hearts.
• Engage Film Festivals: We aim to have our film showcased at prestigious international film festivals, particularly those focusing on real-life stories, documentaries, and human rights issues.
• Advocate for Change: Ultimately, we hope that our project can contribute to positive change and encourage action in support of human rights and those affected by tragedies like the one in Artsakh.

Director - Narek Arzumanyan is an Armenian filmmaker currently pursuing a Master's degree at ESCAC in Barcelona. He has previously worked in Hollywood's TV series production alongside Orlando Bloom in "Carnival Raw." Additionally, he was a vital part of the production team for the short film "Forbidden," which earned a nomination at the Karlovy Vary Film Festival. Narek has also successfully executed numerous editorial projects for renowned brands such as Levis, in addition to crafting travel advertisements for several European cities. He was a member of the Czech Delegation at the Cannes Lions Festival in 2022. Narek's creative vision revolves around shedding light on real-life issues, often hidden within the simplicity of everyday life, with a profound impact.

You can check his portfolio by clicking on the button.

Director - Ellie Wildman is an award-winning filmmaker from Northern Ireland, holding a first-class BA degree in Film, Photography, and Media from the University of Leeds and a Master's in Film Direction. Her career began with the acclaimed short film 'Afterlife' which won a number of awards such as at the BFI Film Festival and Pathe Young Film Festival. Alongside directing her own shorts, Ellie has worked with a. range of clients such as Le Mans, Levi's, and BBC. As a seasoned freelance self-shooting director, Ellie has a rich history in the industry and has previously worked with Warner Bros. Her mission is to tell compelling stories that ignite social change, with a particular focus on empowering women through her work. Ellie's filmmaking journey is a testament to her dedication to meaningful storytelling and amplifying underrepresented voices, specifically women's stories.

Director of Photography - Miguel Barceló: Miguel is an accomplished Barcelona-based Director of Photography (DP), Camera Operator, and Colorist. He is a graduate of the Master of Cinematography program at ESCAC, where he honed his skills and solidified his passion for visual storytelling. Miguel's exceptional talent behind the camera has been showcased in various projects, including the critically acclaimed Spanish short films "Monito" and "The Invisible Man," where he served as the cinematographer. His keen eye for cinematography has earned him recognition and awards for his outstanding work. Beyond his work in short films, Miguel has also made his mark in the world of music videos, collaborating with renowned Spanish artists such as Asekas, Ericko, and Delaossa. His ability to capture the essence of music and translate it into captivating visuals has contributed to the success of these projects.

You can check his portfolio by clicking on the button.

Producer - Ani Khachatryan: Ani, a dedicated film producer, started her cinematic career in 2015 at TUMO. Transitioning into professional filmmaking in 2018 while studying directing at the Yerevan State College of Culture. She has worked on multiple successful feature films, such as "Honest Thieves," "Evil Touch," "I'll Give You a Victory," "Woman in Black," and "Vishap," which reached audiences in both the United States and Armenia.

Screenwriter - Aram Khachatryan: Aram is a talented Armenian writer who gained recognition for his novel "They Were Heading Towards the Sun" in 2020 and showcased his theatrical prowess with the play "Reverse" in 2021 at the Margarit Shvaldyan theatrical studio. Aram Khachatryan is a skilled storyteller who is currently involved in the production of a feature film with 1997 Productions. His talent in narrative and storytelling is a valuable contribution to the scriptwriting team of "Lost Mountains," enriching different artistic mediums.

We want to provide you with an overview of how your generous contributions will be utilized to bring our project to life. Your support is crucial to making this project a reality.

• Development Costs: Funds allocated to initial planning and research, are essential for setting the stage for the project.
• Pre-Production Costs: Your contributions will go towards location scouting, crew hiring, equipment, and materials necessary to prepare for production.
• Production Costs: We need support for various on-site expenses such as housing, travel, catering, and transportation.
• Post-Production Costs: Your contributions will aid in post-production work, including music and visual effects.
• Marketing and Distribution: We aim to promote our project through film festival submissions and promotional materials, and your help will make this possible.
• Contingency: To account for unforeseen challenges, we've set aside a contingency fund to keep the project on track.

Your support is vital in helping us reach our funding goal and create a meaningful impact with our project. Thank you for being a part of our journey.

FAQ

We've anticipated some questions you might have:

1. Will the project proceed without enough funds? - Yes, we're already casting actors, committed to telling this story despite financial challenges.
2. Will the project be affected if the crowdfunding goal isn't met? - We'll aim for the best results, but meeting certain technical requirements for top film festivals depends on funding. Falling short may reduce project technical quality.
3. Is the crew paid? - No, the main crew works for free. This project is a social endeavor. Some technical members might receive payment, but the core team is unpaid.
4. Is the crew mostly international? - The main crew is international, collaborating closely with Armenian specialists. It's an opportunity for experience exchange. The majority of the cast is from the Stepanakert theater.
5. How about fact-checking? - Our story is based on interviews with forcibly displaced people from Artsakh. We work closely with an Artsakh government member to ensure script accuracy.

For more info, download our dossier.