They Say We Have To Leave

10/11/2025

October 31st, voices long silenced found resonance at our private screening at Gare du Nord, Basel. Over a hundred hearts gathered to witness “They Say We Have to Leave” — a journey into the untold stories of 120,000 lives uprooted from Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh). Among them were Basel State Councillor Mustafa Atici, war journalist Werner van Gent, and many other voices from culture, politics, and journalism.

Thank you to all who listened, reflected, and carried these stories in your hearts.

THEY SAY WE HAVE TO LEAVE
Documentary Installation by Varsy Buchmann
Music by Arsen Babajanyan
Produced by Point de vue, Switzerland
Photos by Maryana Marakhovsky

29/10/2025

When 120 voices echo the pain and hope of 120,000

THEY SAY WE HAVE TO LEAVE is a documentary installation by Swiss-Armenian director Varsy Buchmann that sheds light on the ethnic cleansing of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh), honoring the voices and experiences of its people. It is a journey of survival and hope — stories that must be seen and heard.

Join us in Basel and witness history through art.

October 31, 20:00 — Gare du Nord, Basel

Produced by Point de Vue, Switzerland

28/10/2025

Every gaze carries a history — silent, powerful, unforgettable.

They Say We Have to Leave

Documentary Installation by Varsy Buchmann
Produced by Point de vue, Switzerland

Experience their stories. Stand in solidarity. Keep memory alive.

21/10/2025

On October 31, the pre-premiere of “They Say We Have to Leave” will take place at Gare du Nord in Basel. This installation reflects on the tragedy of September 2023, when 120,000 Armenians from Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) were forced to leave their homeland with no right to return. Their stories are voiced by 120 women from Artsakh, unfolding in a continuous loop — guests are welcome to enter, exit, and return at any time throughout the evening.

Your presence helps keep these stories alive and gives a voice to those who have been silenced.

Location: Gare du Nord, Schwarzwaldallee 200, 4058 Basel
Doors and bar open: 19:00
Screening: 20:00–23:00

20/10/2025

On October 31, join us at Gare du Nord in Basel for the pre-premiere of “They Say We Have to Leave.” This documentary installation gives voice to 120 women from Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh), sharing the stories of 120,000 people forced to flee their homes in September 2023. Experience an evening of reflection, solidarity, and remembrance — your presence helps ensure these stories are seen, heard, and never forgotten.

The installation begins at 20:00 and runs in a continuous loop until 23:00. Guests are welcome to enter, exit, and return at any time throughout the evening.

Location: Gare du Nord, Schwarzwaldallee 200, 4058 Basel

16/10/2025

The Yerevan premiere became more than a space for remembrance—it was a deliberate act of facing grief together. This intentional process is how we transform pain into resilience, and ensure that our existence cannot be erased.

They Say We Have to Leave

Documentary Installation by Varsy Buchmann
Produced by Point de vue, Switzerland

14/10/2025

With gratitude to all who gathered with us and to those who made this project possible — we carry your presence with us, and look forward to the day our paths meet again.

They Say We Have to Leave

Documentary Installation by Varsy Buchmann
Produced by Point de vue, Switzerland

13/10/2025

What remains when a home, a community, and a way of life are lost overnight?
In September 2023, more than 120,000 people from Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) were forced to leave everything behind. The historical incident is brought to life through the voices and experiences of 120 women from Artsakh, creating a shared space for remembrance and empathy.

They Say We Have to Leave
Documentary Installation by Varsy Buchmann
Produced by Point de vue, Switzerland

07/10/2025

When we feel, we remember. When we remember, we care.
Watch the full interview here:

Սկսեք ձեր օրը հետաքրքիր, ստեղծարար և ինֆորմատիվ յուրաքանչյուր շաբաթ և կիրակի առավոտյան «Նուռ» հեռուստաընկերության ուղիղ եթերում՝ 11:00-ին: Իր հմայիչ ժպիտով ձ...

26/09/2025

In the shadow of loss and uncertainty, countless hearts ached with longing - for home, for loved ones, for one last goodbye. Hope and sorrow walked side by side. Memories became lifelines, and every farewell was a silent promise to remember. Even in darkness, their spirit endured.

They say we have to leave
Documentary installation

26/09/2025

September 25th left grief in every heart, but strength in every survivor’s eyes. A day of unspeakable loss, yet a testament to unbroken spirit. We remember their pain, and honor their courage.

They say we have to leave
Documentary installation by Varsy Buchmann

25/09/2025

On September 25th, 2023, a devastating explosion tore through a gas station near Stepanakert, Artsakh, as thousands of people waited in line for fuel amid a mass exodus from the region. The blast caused a massive fire, resulting in the deaths of at least 170 people and injuring hundreds more. Many victims were civilians who had been forced to flee their homes, seeking safety and basic necessities after renewed conflict and blockade. The tragedy further deepened the humanitarian crisis in Artsakh, leaving families shattered and highlighting the immense suffering endured by the Armenian population during those harrowing days.

They say we have to leave
Documentary installation by Varsy Buchmann