CARCASSONNE
The Carcassonne Documentary Encounters, curated by Laurence Gasc and organized in partnership with the City of Carcassonne / Carcassonne Festival, present their 2026 edition! On June 26, 27, and 28, don’t miss the 3 new evenings of screenings, outdoors under the starry sky of the Cour d’Honneur of the Château Comtal, in the heart of the medieval Cité.
A Film by Mireille Dumas
Mireille Dumas takes us on an unexpected journey with Charles Aznavour to Armenia, filled with emotion, joy, and solemnity. In 1996, the director—known for her sensitivity—chose to follow one of the greatest ambassadors of French chanson to the land of his familial roots at a pivotal moment. He was there to perform exceptional concerts marking the 5th anniversary of Armenia’s Independence celebrations. “The most French of Armenians” had not sung there in thirty years.
In this dynamic film, a dual portrait of the artist and Armenia, we see a side of Aznavour we’ve never seen before: adored by the Armenian people, yet shy and uncomfortable with such idolization. To the rhythm of his songs and Armenian chants, between concert backstages and visits to orphanages supported by his humanitarian association, Aznavour pour l’Arménie, he also shares his past—as the son and grandson of Armenians who didn’t speak French—and his desire to be loved more than to be a star. As for his words about his country, they are surprising, yet authentic and sincere.
In an Armenia forever scarred by the 1915 genocide and the 1988 earthquake, Charles Aznavour returns “out of duty,” as he puts it, and hopes that one day he will no longer be one of the few voices speaking out for the nation.
