All That Passes By Through a Window That Doesn't Open

Set in the South Caucasus, Martin DiCicco debut feature All that Passes By Through a Window That Doesn't Open, is a visually stunning exploration of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway, often referred to as the "Iron Silk Road". This ambitious project aimed to establish a faster trade route between Asia and Europe, spanning Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkey, while bypassing existing tracks in Armenia due to the eruption of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict following the Soviet Union's collapse. DiCicco's documentary, a journey by rail, serves as a beautiful testament to the unique geography of the region, one that symbolizes both opportunity and sorrow in the diverse landscapes, and one fueled by the territorial discord between Azerbaijan and Armenia. Filmed over 6 years, the film portrays those who benefit from economic progress and those who remain mere observers of stagnation. As the film drifts through this vast space, we see laborers tirelessly laying tracks and stationmasters in solitary contemplation, each struggling to reconcile their dreams with life’s constraints and the hope for a brighter tomorrow. While not a direct exploration of the regional conflict, the film effectively encourages viewers to ponder on the unspoken history and the divides between the past and the present. The voiceover narratives of workers on both sides highlight these socio-political ruptures, while the film's wide and breathtaking compositions and introspective insights underscore the profound disconnects on these lands.

Marlene Edoyan
Filmmaker and programmer