Mano Baghjajian'S &Quot;Endless Exile&Quot; Screened At St. Garabed Armenian Church In Rancho Mirage

On Sunday, April 26, 2026, in commemoration of the 111th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, the faithful community of St. Garabed Armenian Apostolic Church of the Desert gathered in Kirkjan Hall for a profound and moving screening of Endless Exile, the acclaimed documentary by Mano Baghjajian. The special event was graciously hosted by the Parish Council.

A native of Los Angeles, Mano Baghjajian is an accomplished journalist and storyteller who earned his graduate degree from New York University’s prestigious News and Documentary program. Originally developed as his thesis project, Endless Exile has since emerged as his award-winning debut documentary short film. He presently serves as the Digital Ministry Producer of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America.

Through two deeply personal and strikingly parallel family narratives, Endless Exile illuminates more than a century of persecution endured by the Armenian people. Araxie Tcharfajian, the filmmaker’s grandmother, recounts her mother’s survival of the Armenian Genocide of 1915 and reflects upon the enduring legacy of trauma carried by Armenians throughout the diaspora. Parallel to this story, Lilit Hakopyan — a refugee from Artsakh now residing in Yerevan — shares the anguish of fleeing her homeland during the 2020 Artsakh War in order to protect her infant child, while the blockade and devastation of Artsakh left her family painfully divided.

Honoring the memory of the heroes of the 44-Day War and bearing witness to the suffering and displacement of the people of Artsakh, the documentary profoundly moved all those in attendance. More than a film screening, the gathering became a sacred moment of remembrance, reflection, and unity — an opportunity to honor the fallen, pray for displaced families, and reaffirm our collective commitment to preserving the truth of Artsakh and passing it faithfully to future generations.

The parish community extends its heartfelt gratitude to all who participated in this meaningful commemoration and offers warm congratulations to Mano Baghjajian for this important and widely acclaimed work, which has received recognition at multiple film festivals and was honored with the prestigious “Kirk Kerkorian Armenian in Film Award.”

May Almighty God continue to bless and protect Armenians throughout the world, strengthen our hearts with steadfast faith, and preserve our nation in unity and hope for generations to come.