Shoghakat Vardanyan’s documentary film “1489” has been named the winner at the Rome International Documentary Festival (RIDF). The director shared the news on her Facebook page, highlighting the honor of having renowned filmmaker Sergei Loznitsa as the jury president, calling it both a great privilege and a significant responsibility.
The film “1489” portrays the harrowing experiences of the Vardanyan family during the 44-day war in 2020, as they lose contact with their beloved son and brother, 21-year-old Solomon Vardanyan, who was on the frontlines. The title of the film, “1489”, refers to the identification number assigned to Solomon’s remains.
In 2023, “1489” had already earned widespread acclaim, winning the Best Film award at the Amsterdam International Documentary Film Festival (IDFA) and receiving the FIPRESCI Prize.
The film has been widely praised for its profound emotional depth and striking depiction of the war’s devastating impact on families. It poignantly captures the personal tragedy of the Vardanyan family while also reflecting on the universal themes of loss, resilience, and love during wartime.
