A Triumph of True Storytelling
The Chosen’s Elizabeth Tabish stars in faith drama based on true story of Armenian refugee family seeking asylum in U.S.; BETWEEN BORDERS to release in theaters nationwide January 26th through Fathom Events.
“Between Borders is a triumph of true storytelling, and a reminder that the movie going
experience is still magical. Elizabeth Tabish is nothing short of a revelation.
This is the film Armenians around the world have long waited for...”
- Armen Karaoghlanian, Founder & CEO, Armenian Film Society
Pinnacle Peak and StoryLight Productions announce the film “Between Borders,” starring Elizabeth
Tabish (The Chosen, “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever”) and Patrick Sabongui (The Hunting Party, “Black Adam”), will release through Fathom Events in theaters nationwide on January 26th. “Between Borders” shares the true journey of an Armenian refugee family escaping persecution and racial discrimination in Azerbaijan and Russia, who are desperately seeking asylum in the United States. The Armenian Film
Society hosted the festival premiere of “Between Borders” at the 2024 Armenian Film Festival, where Armenians in Los Angeles got a first-look at the indie drama.
Based on real events that took place in the late 80s during the conflict in the Nagorno-Karabakh region, which created hundreds of thousands of refugees, “Between Borders” follows the perilous journey of Violetta (Tabish) and Ivan Petrosyan (Sabongui), and their two young daughters, and the challenges they face in their search for a place to call home, and aims to capture the desperation and resilience at the heart of the refugee experience.
“If there ever was a film for Armenians everywhere to rally behind, this is that film,” said Armen
Karaoghlanian, Founder & CEO, Armenian Film Society. “Between Borders is a film that explores
the strength of family, the power of faith, and the journey of overcoming life's challenges with your loved
ones by your side. This is a film that will resonate with Armenians around the world, as well as anyone
who has ever chased a dream.”
“Between Borders” was co-written and directed by Mark Freiburger (“Dog Days of Summer,” “The
Trial”), and also features Elizabeth Mitchell (Lost, “Sound of Hope”), Michael Paul Chan (Major
Crimes), Stelio Savante (“Nefarious,” Ugly Betty), and Ana Ularu (Emerald City).
“‘Between Borders’ is not only about the Armenian experience, but that of the modern-day refugee as
well. This film tells a story of hope, of perseverance, and the belief that our greatest days are still ahead.”
said Freiburger. “Making this film has been a powerful experience that I will never forget. “
Synopsis:
In a crumbling Soviet Union, the Petrosyan family finds themselves as outcasts—wherever they go. Their
Armenian heritage marks them for discrimination, first in their home country of Azerbaijan and then in
Russia. After finding their eternal hope through a church planted by American missionaries, the hostility
of everyday life pushes them to seek refuge in the United States. In the shadow of exile, hope became
their home. Based on a riveting true story of faith and hope set amidst great oppression, BETWEEN
BORDERS is only in theaters January 26-28, 2025.
“Between Borders” was filmed in and around Bucharest, Romania. The film was written
by Adam Sjoberg, Isaac Norris, and Mark Freiburger, and produced by Isaac Norris, Jude S. Walko
(“Rumors of War,”), Mark Freiburger and Ken Carpenter (“Finding You,” “The Shift”). Rogier
Stoffers (“Redeeming Love,” “School of Rock”) was Director of Photography.
“We're not just telling a story; we're bringing to life the incredible journey of a family that represents
hope, strength and the power of faith,” said producer Isaac Norris. “The Petrosyans’ resilience and grace
throughout their harrowing journey challenges us all. Their faith shines in circumstances that many of us
will never understand.”