Apricot Groves

Apricot Groves was one of the most widely screened transgender titles of 2017, garnering thirty-seven international festival award nominations and thirteen wins. Filmed in Armenia with a balanced contrast of atmospheric long shots and stark close ups, director Pouria Heidary Oureh’s multi-award-winning drama is both narratively and visually compelling. Aram is an Iranian-Armenian who has lived in America since childhood and returns to Armenia to complete two important journeys; the first is to meet his girlfriend’s family and ask permission to marry her, and the second is to finally receive gender affirming surgery in Iran. Over the course of one day, Aram embarks on an intense emotional journey to the border dividing the two nations, driven by his older brother Vartan, who offers advice, Armenian proverbs, and cultural nuances—doing his best to try and mentor his brother forward.