“Tagh: the Path of the Soul”, based on Grigor Narekatsi’s cantos, presented in Artsakh. The premiere was held in a packed hall. The audience departed with positive emotions and feeling impressed.
According to Narine Aghabalyan, representative of “We Are Our Mountains” Territorial Development Agency, this film broke the spiritual blockade for the people of Artsakh who are under siege. “Today, the entire Armenian people are in a spiritual blockade, and it is very important to break through it. This film is a reminder about our virtuous nature, about the need for confession, purifying ourselves, clinging to our roots and our spiritual values, and by praying to God and relying on our strength, let us rise again and be reborn.”
The film draws its inspiration from Narekatsi’s five cantos, supplemented by two additional pieces: “Mary at the Cross” and “Mary Magdalene”. Davit Pashayan, Secretary of Artsakh Diocese, emphasized the film’s timely significance, stating, “Today, we witnessed the portrayal of the rejuvenated Narekatsi, which profoundly moved everyone. For many, Narekatsi’s cantos, his journey, and his spiritual path were a revelation. This cinematic experience served as a summary for some, a rediscovery for others, instilling hope and offering an opportunity to rekindle their connection with God.”
The film was shot in seven symbolic Armenian churches, including Hnevank, Kaputni Surb Minas, Geghardavank, and Sanahin Monastery, each a rare gem of medieval architecture. Additionally, footage from the liberation of Shushi on May 9, 1992, was incorporated. However, it was the scenes of Yerablur and Shushi that deeply resonated with the audience who witnessed the wounded Ghazanchetsots church in the 2020 war. “Those moments were profoundly touching for me, and in my heart, I couldn’t help but draw parallels with Jerusalem. I believe that if we, as a nation, undergo a spiritual transformation, adopt a unified national ideology, and foster spiritual growth akin to that of a hermit deep in meditation, preserving our inner light, then we will indeed be worthy of reclaiming Shushi.”
The general producer of “Tagh: the Path of the Soul” is Artur Janibekyan, the director is Vahe Yan, the co-author, and the soloist of the cantos is Vahe Begoyan. The idea belongs to Artak Aleksanyan. After the screening, the audience met the film’s crew online. The film gave the audience an opportunity for self-purification, and to be close to God. The authors also had that idea at the heart of the film’s creation.
Artak Aleksanyan, the conceptual author of “Tagh: the Path of the Soul,” shared his thoughts, stating, “I regard Vahe Begoyan as one of the finest performers. We endeavored to portray the church’s interior in its full splendor, blending it with contemporary visual aesthetics. A pivotal moment in the script is the analogy drawn between Shushi and Narekatsi, which I wholeheartedly endorse. Shushi, to us, is indeed our Jerusalem.”
Vahe Begoyan, the screenwriter and soloist of “Tagh: the Path of the Soul,”: “Until we establish a clear direction in our spiritual journey and national mindset—knowing precisely where we are headed—the physical blockade will pale in significance. Once we’ve achieved this clarity, we’ll have a roadmap for action, guiding us on what steps to take and where to steer our course.”
Vahe Yan, the director of “Tagh: the Path of the Soul,”: “I am sure that as we tried to show in the film, salvation will be our inner self-cleansing, because the more we turn away from God, the more the enemy comes closer and closer, he attacks us more and more and is more and more vital to us. The closer we get to God, the stronger we become.”
The film was screened at the “Our Mountains” center in Artsakh, drawing considerable interest from the audience. This event signals the beginning of numerous spiritual and cultural initiatives to come.
