When September Comes 1975

Levon Pogosyan travels from the Armenian town of Ashtarak to Moscow to enroll his grandson Levonik in the first grade. His warm, open-hearted nature and eagerness to lend a hand quickly set him apart in a city that often feels crowded and impersonal, where neighbors rarely cross paths. Back home, his daughter Nune struggles with jealousy toward her husband, who works at a textile factory and also takes part in amateur theater, a combination that quietly strains family life.

In the busy streets of the capital, Levon forms a new friendship with Nikolai Nikolaevich, the grandfather of Katya, a classmate of Levonik. Katya is an orphan whose parents died during a geological expedition in the Pamirs, and she is lovingly cared for by her grandfather. Nikolai Nikolaevich also helps Levon cope with health issues arising from old war wounds, building a bond that anchors Levon as he navigates life in a new city. During a routine medical check-up, doctors reveal that Levon’s days may be numbered, but they withhold this harsh truth from him, allowing him to continue living with his characteristic warmth and generosity.

Despite the looming prognosis, Levon’s spirit remains bright and giving. A local handyman named Gena builds a grill for Levon, and the two of them, along with Levonik, fire up a simple meal of shashlik on the balcony of their Moscow high-rise. Their small barbecue attracts curious neighbors when smoke is mistaken for a fire, drawing in a lively crowd. Rather than deter him, Levon seizes the moment to bring people together, inviting friends and neighbors to join in and share in the celebration of life. The incident becomes a catalyst for connection, and his easygoing kindness leaves a lasting impression on everyone who crosses his path.

As time goes on, the circle of friends and family gathers around Levon, sharing stories, laughter, and support. The scene culminates with a heartfelt farewell at the airport, where those who have known him bid him goodbye, marking the end of a poignant chapter for a man whose generosity touched many lives. In this quiet, human-centered drama, small acts of kindness illuminate a deeper truth about community, memory, and the way one generous heart can reshape the world around it.