I am Seg Kirakossian, a filmmaker, researcher, trainer and visual artist exploring the intersection of media, technology and storytelling. I work across documentary cinema, experimental aesthetics, media literacy and creative problem-solving through artistic methods.
Filmmaker
As a filmmaker, I specialize in documentary portraits and corporate films, focusing on personal stories rather than historical narratives or archival-based storytelling. My central themes revolve around the miracle of exploring the spirit and essence of people and objects.
I primarily work in an observational style, yet I remain open to intervening when necessary. I don’t shape reality but rather try to capture unrepeatable moments – those that cannot be reconstructed with the same honesty and spontaneity.
For me, filmmaking is a form of communication – a way to engage with people beyond words, using images, emotions, and presence. I aim to create films that make the audience think and feel more than what is explicitly shown, fostering an honest and meaningful dialogue between the film and the viewer.
My films have been screened at various film festivals and thematic international events. I have also served as a jury member in film festivals and as a selection committee expert for film funds, including Eurimages as an external expert.
Filmography
PURIFICATION (2025-26, 75′)
JOKER. VAHAGN HAYRAPETYAN (2019, 26′)
NAREGATSI, YEREVAN, JOHN MALKOVICH (2018, 18′)
THE TEACHER (2017, 24′)
24/04 WORLD ORCHESTRA (2017, 18′)
CRANE, WHERE DO YOU COME FROM? (2016, 25′)
ARTIST IN A SCIENCE (2016, 27′)
DO YOU NEED ME? (2014, 36′)
WANDERING IN THE ZAHRAD’S WORLD (2013, 6′)
HOME IS WHERE YOUR HEART IS (Short, 2008, 16′)
THE WAY (2007, 8′)
Researcher
My research in documentary cinema is driven by fundamental questions: What defines documentary cinema? How does its aesthetic criteria differ from fiction film? And how should documentary filmmaking evolve in the age of deepfakes and interactive technologies? Additionally, I explore ways to make aesthetic judgment in academic settings more measurable.
Beyond my PhD research, I have published five papers on documentary cinema in peer-reviewed journals and have presented at four academic conferences, including the 30th Visible Evidence Conference in Australia (2024).
My work delves into key concepts such as:
- Defining documentary cinema and its evolving boundaries.
- Interactive documentary cinema and its impact on storytelling.
- Materiality in documentary cinema, exploring how physical and digital elements shape aesthetics.
- The distinction between fiction and documentary aesthetics in theory and practice.
Artist
My artistic practice is centered around luminescent artworks that transform under different lighting conditions. What inspires me is the interchangeable nature of luminescent objects – there is no single true form or color. Instead, their appearance shifts depending on the light, revealing multiple layers of perception.
My goal is for my art to speak to people when they are alone and to offer healing when they feel misunderstood. Each piece is meant to create an intimate dialogue with the viewer, adapting to their presence and perspective.
I work with a diverse range of materials, from glass and wood to precious metals and stones, including silver and gold, to enhance the transformative nature of my installations.
There is a deep connection between my art and my research on materiality and aesthetics in documentary cinema. By working with physical materials and exploring their essence, I gain a deeper understanding of the materiality of the screen – how images, textures, and light interact within cinematic space.
Entrepreneur
I provide corporate documentary films and video ads for financial and IT institutions, international capacity development companies, and funds. My approach blends storytelling with strategic messaging to create compelling visual narratives that resonate with target audiences.
In team-building and problem-solving, I use art-based methods such as photography, videomaking, and luminescent art to foster creativity, collaboration, and new ways of thinking. These interactive experiences help teams develop fresh perspectives, enhance communication, and strengthen group dynamics.
I also offer consulting, workshops, and business-oriented services in documentary filmmaking, film analysis, and idea generation – helping businesses and creatives refine their concepts and storytelling approaches.
Educator
I have lectured on media production, media literacy, and documentary films at the Yerevan State Institute of Theatre and Cinematography and Brusov University of Social Sciences, working with students in journalism and film production.
Beyond academia, I have led various non-formal education programs, including DocuSeries, a training initiative focused on using documentary cinema for human rights protection. These programs equip participants with the skills to tell impactful stories and advocate for change through film.
My goal as an educator is to help students and trainees explore the creative spectrum of documentary cinema rather than treating it as journalism or a visual lecture. I encourage them to see documentaries as an artistic and expressive medium, capable of capturing reality in profound and unexpected ways.