Selection is completely unveiling a brand new clip from “Lullaby for the Mountains,” the debut function from Armenian filmmaker Hayk Matevosyan that’s making its Asian premiere on the 56th Worldwide Movie Competition of India (IFFI), the place it serves as the only Armenian choice.
The contemplative work, govt produced by Hungarian auteur Béla Tarr, world premiered at Sheffield DocFest 2025 within the Worldwide First Characteristic Competitors.
The movie unfolds throughout 15 dreamlike chapters chronicling a spectral journey by way of Armenia’s rugged highlands. Shot completely on location in Armenia, the wordless narrative follows an unnamed determine traversing historical monasteries, mountain landscapes and underground chambers, blurring boundaries between actuality and goals.
In an interview with Selection, Matevosyan describes the undertaking as a meditation on collective reminiscence and loss. The director explains the importance of premiering at IFFI, noting the historic connections between Armenian and Indian cultures spanning centuries.
“What makes this Asian premiere so particular is the deep connection between Armenian and Indian tradition that goes again centuries,” Matevosyan says. “Armenian communities have lived in India for a very long time, in cities like Kolkata and Chennai, however the connection has at all times been mutual.”
The filmmaker characterizes the work as exploring themes of displacement and cultural reminiscence. “For me, ‘Lullaby for the Mountains’ is about ghosts drifting by way of the land, about collective reminiscence, and the quiet traces of lives which have handed and people nonetheless to return,” he says.
Tarr’s involvement stems from Matevosyan’s participation within the 2019 Locarno Spring Academy Directing Residency, the place he created a brief movie beneath the legendary director’s mentorship. The collaboration proved transformative for the younger filmmaker’s strategy.
“Spending time with him actually modified how I strategy filmmaking,” Matevosyan recollects. “He opened my eyes to an entire new mind-set about picture, environment, panorama, and characters.”
The director emphasizes Tarr’s unorthodox mentoring philosophy: “He dislikes the phrases ‘instructing’ or ‘schooling,’ and at all times says that he’s right here to liberate us, to not educate.”
Throughout manufacturing of the residency brief, Tarr confirmed Matevosyan work by Caspar David Friedrich with out commentary. “That’s after I actually began considering of cinematic photos extra like work, somewhat than solely simply instruments for story or plot,” the director says.
As govt producer, Tarr reviewed a number of cuts and inspired daring aesthetic decisions. This help influenced Matevosyan’s resolution to get rid of voice-over narration completely, permitting soundscape and visuals to hold the narrative independently.
“I believe finally what Béla gave me is the braveness to simply go and make my debut movie with out considering of any cinematic guidelines and I’m past grateful for that,” Matevosyan says.
The filmmaker holds a directing diploma from UCLA and has participated in quite a few prestigious packages together with Berlinale Abilities, Sarajevo Abilities, IFFR Classes, the BFC Workshop in Peruvian Amazonia beneath Werner Herzog’s mentorship, and the Locarno Spring Academy.
His work has screened at main festivals together with Locarno, Slamdance DIG, LA Movie Competition, Atlanta Movie Competition, AGBU Movie at Lincoln Middle and the Werner Herzog Basis. Matevosyan additionally directed the music video “Lives” for System of A Down member Daron Malakian.
“Lullaby for the Mountains” is produced by Luiza Yeranosyan and Matevosyan by way of manufacturing firm Dolly Bell Movies. The forged contains Ashot Matevosyan, Bella Ghochikyan, Sargis Mosinyan, Luiza Yeranosyan and Hayk Mosinyan. Matevosyan served as author, director, cinematographer and editor on the Armenia-U.S. co-production.
Watch the clip right here:
