Exclusive: Behind the Scenes of “Monte,” the New Film About Armenian Hero Monte Melkonian
The Armenian Report has obtained exclusive behind-the-scenes footage from “Monte,” a new film about Armenian-American military commander Monte Melkonian, offering a first look at the production ahead of its Novembee 25 premiere.
The historical drama tells the story of Melkonian, a California-born Armenian who became one of the best-known commanders of the first Artsakh War in the early 1990s. Known to Armenians as Avo, he was killed in 1993 at age 35 and later named a National Hero of Armenia.
The film stars Vladimir Msryan as Melkonian and Hripsime Nahapetyan as his wife, Seda. Khoren Levonyan portrays Vazgen Sargsyan, the Armenian military leader who later served as prime minister.
Directed by Suren Safaryan and produced by Nono Sargsyan, “Monte” is the latest project from Genetic Production. Narek Soghoyan serves as line producer, while Armine Brsoyan oversees media relations, the company behind the 2025 film “Vazgen: The Last Sparapet.”
Filming began in April, with the production team recreating events from Melkonian’s life and the war in Nagorno-Karabakh. The screenplay draws on historical accounts shared and verified by his widow, Seda Melkonian, according to the filmmakers.
The production encountered difficulties while filming its battle scenes. In August, Sargsyan said Armenia’s Defense Ministry had declined requests for military equipment and access to facilities. She said private supporters helped the crew continue filming.
Melkonian was born in Visalia, California, in 1957 and studied at the University of California, Berkeley. He spent years abroad before arriving in Nagorno-Karabakh, where he commanded Armenian forces during the war with Azerbaijan. He was killed near the village of Merzili in June 1993.
More than three decades after his death, Melkonian remains a prominent figure in Armenian history, particularly among Armenians who remember his role in the struggle for Nagorno-Karabakh.
“Monte” is scheduled to open in theaters November 25. An international release has not yet been announced.
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