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Home News As the Wind Says Unveils a Mystical Armenian Journey

As the Wind Says Unveils a Mystical Armenian Journey

by Barbara

The Armenian crime drama As the Wind Says, written and directed by Maria Rigel, is slated for its world premiere at the 2025 Karlovy Vary International Film Festival (KVIFF). It will compete in the prestigious Proxima competition, highlighting new and innovative cinema from around the world.

This independent Armenian production stars Albert Babajanyan, Lusine Avanesyan, and Annika Abrahamyan. The film’s cinematography is helmed by Ayrat Yamilov, whose work contributes to the movie’s immersive and atmospheric feel. The Hollywood Reporter has obtained exclusive rights to debut the official poster and trailer for the film.

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A Story of Social Marginalization and Family Tension

As the Wind Says tells the story of a family living on the fringes of society in rural Armenia. At the center is Heik, a withdrawn young boy who resides with his aunt Narine on a farm. Heik faces constant ridicule from the local community, which ostracizes him as a “weirdo” for his peculiarities and social isolation.

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The narrative intensifies when Heik’s mother returns from a lengthy stay abroad, stirring unrest among locals who condemn her disregard for social conventions. Narine, burdened by shame and resentment over Anahit’s behavior, sets out to exact her revenge. The film delves into the complex dynamics of family loyalty, societal judgment, and the painful consequences of alienation.

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Authenticity Through Local Talent and Documentary Style

Director Maria Rigel made a deliberate choice to cast mostly local, non-professional actors to ensure the film’s authenticity. This approach lends a documentary-like realism to the storytelling, capturing genuine emotions and cultural nuances often absent in conventional productions. The crew itself is a blend of locals and immigrants from post-Soviet countries, reflecting the film’s rootedness in its environment.

Rigel emphasized that As the Wind Says continues the rich tradition of Armenian auteur cinema. She described the film’s style as a fusion of documentary aesthetics and the vivid, poetic color palette reminiscent of Soviet filmmaker Sergei Parajanov. This combination effectively portrays the tension between Armenia’s historical heritage and its evolving contemporary identity.

The Role of Music and Cultural Influence

Music plays a pivotal role in shaping the film’s atmosphere. The soundtrack was composed by American musician Steve Brand, renowned for his evocative tribal and ritualistic compositions. His score imbues the film with a haunting and mystical quality that enhances its cultural and emotional depth.

Rigel noted that Brand’s music “perfectly captures the spirit of modern Armenian aesthetics,” weaving together elements that resonate with the film’s visual storytelling. The soundtrack thus becomes a vital character in itself, enriching the metaphysical and emotional journey portrayed on screen.

Inspiration from Armenia’s Cultural Landscape

Maria Rigel’s inspiration for the film stems from her deep connection with Armenia, where she relocated in 2022. She described the country as a place where ancient traditions and modern realities coexist in a delicate, often unresolved balance. This duality serves as a central theme in As the Wind Says.

Through the film, Rigel seeks to symbolically depict the clash between rigid social mindsets rooted in tradition and the silent, yet potent, resistance of the younger generation. Her portrayal reflects a broader commentary on cultural evolution and the enduring tensions between past and present.

Festival Descriptions Highlight Mystical Atmosphere

The Korean International Film Festival, which has also showcased the film, describes As the Wind Says as “a mysterious and visually and sonically mesmerizing work dominated by the omnipresent theme of the wind.” The story is told through the perspective of a child forced to mature too soon, adding a poignant layer to the narrative.

The wind’s presence is both literal and symbolic throughout the film. Its rustling amplifies the tension within a fiercely conservative society, while its howling foretells the irreversible emotional turmoil faced by the characters. This elemental motif deepens the film’s exploration of human resilience and vulnerability.

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