Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Angela Asatrian. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Angela, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

In September 2020, Azerbaijan launched an aggressive attack on Nagorno Karabakh, a region predominantly populated by Armenians and also known as Artsakh. Tragically, my cousin Garnik, who was only 19 years old, lost his life on the very first day of the war. Witnessing this devastating loss and recognizing the widespread lack of awareness about the conflict and its underlying causes, I felt a profound call to action, particularly drawing upon my background in Macro-level Social Work. I understood the urgent need to raise awareness about the ongoing atrocities in the region. With determination, I assembled a dedicated team and partnered with the non-profit organization, The Center for Truth and Justice. Together, we traveled to Armenia and embarked on the creation of a feature-length documentary focusing on this pressing issue. Our aim was to shed light on the war, its impact on displaced individuals, and the broader context of the conflict by interviewing experts in the field.
Our documentary made a significant impact, gaining recognition and acceptance into film festivals while also receiving awards. Most importantly, it successfully fulfilled its purpose of informing and educating our audience about the harrowing realities unfolding in Nagorno Karabakh, encouraging dialogue and understanding on this critical matter.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

During my master’s program in social work, I delved deeply into the distressing issue of Human Trafficking in the Philippines. This exploration profoundly impacted me, leading me to integrate my passion for helping others with the art of filmmaking. As part of my academic journey, I took the initiative to create a student film/documentary that shed light on the realities and challenges faced in combating human trafficking. The experience of researching, producing, and directing this documentary was a pivotal moment for me. It ignited a fusion of my empathetic drive to assist those in need with my desire to tell compelling stories through film. Witnessing the power of visual storytelling to raise awareness and provoke change, I realized the potential for films to serve as a platform for social good.
In the wake of this realization, I embarked on a journey to write, produce, and direct two significant feature documentaries. The first documentary delved into the haunting realm of medical errors within the United States, shedding light on a critical issue affecting countless lives. The second documentary turned its lens towards the complex events of the 2020 War in Nagorno-Karabakh, aiming to provide insight and understanding of the conflicts.
Today, I am proud to wear two hats, serving as a full-time therapist, dedicated to supporting individuals in their mental health journeys, while also fully immersed in the world of filmmaking, creating stories that resonate and inspire change.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My mission is to try and do as much good as I can while I’m still here. I want to spread awareness, inspire people to make positive changes, and share thoughts and ideas about life. The idea that I may not have a tomorrow keeps me motivated to keep going and achieve my goals.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

One of the best parts of being creative is seeing how it affects others. When I hear people talk about my stories and projects and see their excitement and how it positively influenced them, it feels really good.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://angelaasatrian.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angela_asatrian/
• Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1104584/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1