A woman’s journey through life from the innocence of childhood to the weight of adulthood. We follow her evolving relationship with a handmade chainmail dress, a symbol of inherited pain and generational trauma. As she grows, the dress becomes both armor and cage, until, in a moment of profound release, she sheds its burden, transforming the weight of the past into a powerful act of healing and renewal.
Director statement
Ghost of Your Embrace is my first-ever film, and it’s incredibly personal, both in its creation and its story. The project is entirely self-funded and born from a grassroots effort, made possible only through the patience, passion, and support of those around me. The inspiration came from the creation of a sculpture—a hand-crafted chainmail dress made from 2,500 porcelain evil eyes, a piece that took over 400 hours to complete. As I worked on the sculpture, it became clear that its story wasn’t just in the making of it—it needed to be told through film.
Filmmaking has always terrified me. The idea of taking on such a vast, collaborative process seemed overwhelming. But videography—especially in the context of this project—has transformed into a deeply fulfilling tool for storytelling.
I want to thank my team Allison, Bettina and Raquel who helped me make this project come to life. I especially want to thank my best friend Kayla who followed me and trusted me throughout this whole process. If it wasn’t for her belief in the project, her editing, writing and sound design, this film would not be what it is today. I am infinitely thankful
Bio
As a multidisciplinary artist, Alyag Malkhassian holds a BFA in Studio Arts from Concordia and a DEP in Cabinet Making from Rosemont Technology Center. She has worked in various facets of the entertainment industry with her expertise in set design, decor, special effects and prop making for film, tv and notably Cirque du Soleil.
Malkhassian has served as the voice of the digital tour guide for the Matenadaran Museum, and has been featured on H1 news channel in Armenia. Other contributions include group exhibitions at ACCEA Gallery, murals, workshops at Tumo Studios, and a residency at Montreal Arts Interculturels and NEST (Fall 2025). Her work has been published in Hyebred magazine, Etiquet magazine, Yara magazine and the Jerusalem Art History Journal. Most recently, she has been passionate about teaching her skills through various workshops particularly traditional Armenian Marash embroidery.
Pebbles Underground is focused on showcasing and promoting experimental, avant-garde, underground, and no-to-low budget projects by artist-humans from all over the world. Absurd, uncanny, witty, humorous, slow-video – all are welcomed, and loved.
Pebbles Underground is an independent project not funded by any government or corporation, and we intend to keep it that way. Main source of funding is personal donations from humans organizing the project, who are artists themselves, and the main drive of the project is formed by the energy and involvement of the organizers, and the public.
