Ararat is a contemporary story of the intertwining paths of two estranged families, and their search for reconciliation and truth. This ‘film within a film’ also follows the production of an epic film about the Armenian genocide by Turks in 1915. At the center are 18-year-old Raffi, the cusp of adulthood, and customs inspector David, on the eve of his retirement. Raffi returns to Canada with cans of 35mm film, digital tapes, a film canister with additional footage and a mystery. He is sent to customs for inspection and David is determined to discover what Raffi is concealing.
Raffi is struggling with the memory of his father, his very present mother, Ani, and his relationship with his stepsister, Celia. David is coming to terms with his gay son Philip and his lover, Ali while trying to build a solid relationship with his grandson, Tony.
Shifting through time, and featuring a film within a film about the tragic Siege of Van, Egoyan explores the quest for identity through the intimate moments shared by lovers, families, enemies and strangers. Ararat explores how history, both personal and political, can inspire a legacy of uncertainty and insecurity.