My name is Oksana Mirzoyan, and I am a filmmaker, educator, and advocate for cultural preservation through storytelling. My journey from being an Armenian refugee from Baku, Azerbaijan to becoming a celebrated artist in my home community of Detroit, throughout the US and Europe has shaped my unique perspective and dedication to using film as a medium for social impact. With a strong background in practical filmmaking, I have garnered the experience necessary to tackle significant challenges and contribute meaningfully to the cultural and educational landscape of both Armenia and the US. 

Problem: Armenia faces several urgent issues, including the lingering effects of conflict in Nagorno Karabakh, a lack of resources for art and film education and creation, and a skills shortage in creative fields. The Armenian nation, both within its borders and in the diaspora, requires innovative methods to preserve and promote its cultural heritage, especially through storytelling and visual media. The second Nagorno-Karabakh War highlighted the brutal reality of how narratives can be manipulated to serve the interests of those seeking to erase our identity from the global map. It is imperative that we continue to create art that tells our story to the world and connects our reality to those who are not experiencing it firsthand. Art can be considered an essential cultural export. 

Credentials: My journey as a filmmaker and educator has equipped me with unique insights and skills to address these needs. My experiences span twenty years and multiple continents and contexts including Armenia, where I have been deeply involved in artistic and educational projects. In 2011, through Birthright Armenia and the Armenian Volunteer Corp, I returned to volunteer, reconnect with extended family, and reignite my relationship to the country. I discovered my passion for teaching through the creation of a photography workshop for children through COAF, which led to filmmaking workshops at the Tumo Center for Creative Technologies both in Yerevan and Stepanakert. A planned three-month visit extended to a permanent move to Armenia for five years. During this time, I launched OneArmenia, a nonprofit, worked on humanitarian projects and spent time with the Armenian Army in Arstakh researching the lives of soldiers on the front line of the conflict. I returned to Detroit in 2015 where I became deeply connected to the activist community. And as a Kresge Artist Fellow and an Adjunct Professor at the College for Creative Studies, I have collaborated with prestigious institutions like the Museum of Contemporary Art in Detroit and the Detroit Institute of Art. My films have been showcased at internationally renowned festivals such as Berlinale, Clermont-Ferrand, Camerimage, and Locarno among others. 

Solution: With the Huys Scholarship, I will complete a Master’s program at Columbia University, further enhancing my skills in filmmaking and teaching. The advanced knowledge and networks I gain will allow me to address the needs of Armenia in several impactful ways: 

Film Projects: I plan to continue creating films that tell powerful Armenian stories, bringing international attention to the region’s history, struggles, and beauty. My current projects include “Abysm,” a feature-length narrative film centered on the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, and my short documentary “The Hermit,” focused on a monk living in an abandoned monastery in Syunik. Both films delve into themes relevant to the Armenian experience, helping to preserve and promote Armenian culture globally. These films aim to spark conversations, increase awareness, and foster a deeper understanding of Armenian heritage. More importantly, they aim to reach the emotional roots of my Armenian characters’ experiences—emotions that cross borders, time, and identity, forming a bridge with those outside our community. 

Educational Workshops: I will develop and implement comprehensive filmmaking workshops in Armenia, building on the success of my previous workshops. These programs will empower young Armenians to tell their own stories, fostering a new generation of filmmakers who can document and share their heritage and current realities. By providing them with the tools and knowledge needed to create compelling films, I aim to cultivate a vibrant filmmaking community in Armenia. 

Collaboration and Networking: Leveraging the networks I build at Columbia, I will connect Armenian artists with international resources and opportunities. This will create a support system for Armenian creatives and provide them with platforms to showcase their work globally. Facilitating these connections will enable Armenian artists to gain exposure, collaborate on international projects, and bring fresh perspectives to their work. 

By addressing these needs through my filmmaking and educational initiatives, I aim to contribute significantly to the cultural and social fabric of Armenia. The Huys Scholarship will enable me to turn these plans into actionable projects, ensuring that the knowledge, experience, and networks I gain are directed toward making a tangible impact.

I am aware that Huys Foundation is granting the Huys Scholarship to me with the anticipation of my good faith pursuit and implementation of the projects and undertakings described in this letter, to which I hereby commit.