The Russo-Ukrainian war is kilometres from Armenian enclaves in Georgia, but those enclaves can still feel some effects. Russian influence may be the reason why factory wages are low which is probably why Karlen Ispiryan probably quit. Ispiryan is one of three main subjects in A Fire There, the new documentary from filmmaker Marlene Edoyan. The second is Karlen’s best friend Hakob Harutyunyan, who is in a contentious long term relationship with dancer Monika. The third is Henrikh Malkhasian, returning to the village after being active in protests against a government that seems pro-Russian.

On a formal basis, this documentary beautifully transitions from Georgia’s landscapes to the indoors involving men and their elders. The dialogue tethers some of its scenes, as if voices poetically come, and we eventually see these compelling subjects. Although A Fire There is about three young best friends, these young men’s elders have their share of screen time. During one scene, Karlen has a tough conversation with his father Slavik about returning to become a traditional shepherd. In another, Slavik talks about how proud he is of both Karlen and Henrikh, wanting to witness their achievements.

Hakob, Henrkih, and Karlen live as young men in understandably frustrating limbic states as viewers can see in A Fire There. Like most young people today, there’s still a mix of idyllic day to day as worrisome outside politics looms. The camera captures beautiful shadows in a church where they’re finally allowed to practice their religion after Soviet rule. Summer turns into a winter that doesn’t want to go away and then into a spring that tries to lock people in. A woman reads a poem where the film gets its title, about shepherds’ fires, reminding wanderers of their home.