Motherland (2022 film)

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Motherland is a 2022 independent documentary by Armenian‑American journalist Vic Gerami. The film looks at the buildup and aftermath of the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War from the Armenian perspective, with a focus on Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh). It uses interviews with Armenian‑American and international figures, as well as refugees and veterans, to document alleged war crimes by Azerbaijan during the 44-day conflict. The documentary covers attacks on civilians, the use of chemical weapons, and mistreatment of prisoners of war.

The film also explains the history of Nagorno-Karabakh, including the Soviet era and the border decisions that fueled ethnic tensions. It draws parallels between Azerbaijan’s 2020 actions and the Armenian Genocide of 1915, and it criticizes the Azerbaijani government’s behavior in the years leading up to the war. The cast includes Armenian‑American political and cultural figures, other Armenian and European officials, veterans, civilians, and refugees.

Some members of the U.S. Congress were invited to screenings. A reviewer described the film as well‑researched, well‑shot, and informative. Motherland runs 113 minutes and premiered on November 26, 2022. It is in English, Armenian, Azerbaijani, and Turkish, and was distributed by The Blunt Post Media.