What Is When September Comes About?
The premise of When September Comes in 283 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the gentle glow of an Armenian autumn, a determined pensioner sets out from the small town of Ashtarak for the bustling streets of Moscow. His journey is sparked by a simple, heartfelt mission: to be present for his grandson’s first day of school and to share a day of celebration that bridges the distance between their quiet home and the capital’s ceaseless rhythm. The contrast between the tranquil, close‑knit life he leaves behind and the sprawling, noisy metropolis he enters frames a world where personal connections can feel both fragile and vital.
Levon Poghosyan is a man whose warmth radiates despite the weight of age and the quiet shadow of his own frailty. He carries an instinctive generosity, offering a hand or a smile to anyone he meets, and his open‑hearted nature instantly sets him apart in a city where strangers often pass unnoticed. Alongside his eager grandson Levonik, Levon steps into a tapestry of strangers‑turned‑neighbors, each encounter a chance to sow kindness in a place that can feel impersonal. Their presence invites curiosity and a subtle reshaping of everyday interactions, hinting at the quiet power of one compassionate soul.
Within the high‑rise corridors and bustling avenues, Levon’s path crosses a handful of memorable figures—a grandfather named Nikolai Nikolaevich, the caring caregiver of a young girl named Katya, and a friendly handyman called Gena. Though their stories are only beginning to intertwine, the film suggests a gentle unfolding of community, where simple gestures ripple outward, fostering an unexpected network of support. The tone remains quietly reverent, a human‑centered drama that celebrates everyday generosity, the bittersweet beauty of fleeting moments, and the way a single generous heart can illuminate the lives it touches.
What Happens in When September Comes?
The complete story of When September Comes, from the first scene to the last, in 372 words (about 2 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 3 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
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.
When September Comes Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
12 key events in the order they happen, from “Levon arrives in Moscow to enroll Levonik” to “Farewell at the airport”. 12 events name a place, across 9 locations.
- 1
Levon arrives in Moscow to enroll Levonik
Levon Pogosyan leaves his Armenian town of Ashtarak and travels to Moscow with the goal of enrolling his grandson Levonik in first grade. His warm, outgoing personality helps him stand out in the bustling, impersonal city. In the process, he begins to chart a life for his family in a new urban setting.
Where:Moscow
- 2
Levon's warmth attracts neighbors and friends
In the crowded city, Levon's generosity and help-for-all attitude quickly endear him to strangers. His small acts of kindness stand out amid the routine, sometimes indifferent routines of urban life. People start to seek him out for advice and support.
Where:Moscow
- 3
Family tensions at home
Back at their apartment, Levon's daughter Nune wrestles with jealousy toward her husband, who works at a textile factory and pursues amateur theater. The tension spills into daily life, straining the family dynamics despite Levon's efforts to keep harmony. Levon's presence remains a stabilizing, hopeful force.
Where:Moscow apartment
- 4
Levon befriends Nikolai and learns about Katya
Levon befriends Nikolai Nikolaevich, Katya's grandfather, building a bond that helps both families. Nikolai shares responsibility for Katya, an orphan raised with love after her parents died on a Pamirs expedition. Their friendship becomes a bridge between generations.
Where:Moscow
- 5
Katya's backstory introduced
Katya's past reveals the loss of her parents during a geological expedition in the Pamirs, and her grandfather's devoted care shapes their bond. The revelation deepens Levon's understanding of resilience and community. These threads connect with the adult characters in Moscow.
When:Earlier Where:Pamirs (backstory)
- 6
Doctors reveal a grim prognosis for Levon
During a routine check-up, doctors discover that Levon does not have long to live. The medical team decides to withhold this information from him, sparing him immediate distress. The revelation casts a shadow over the future while continuing to inspire his generosity.
When:During a routine check-up Where:Moscow hospital
- 7
Levon's health guides his interactions
Even after the prognosis, Levon's generous spirit persists. He continues to engage with friends and neighbors, sharing meals and stories. Nikolai helps Levon manage health issues stemming from old war wounds.
Where:Moscow
- 8
Gena builds a grill for Levon
A local handyman named Gena builds a charcoal grill for Levon, enabling a chance to gather with neighbors. The gesture reflects Levon's outgoing nature and willingness to bring people together. The act also signals the start of a spontaneous Moscow balcony barbecue.
Where:Levon's Moscow balcony
- 9
Shashlik becomes a communal event
Levon and Levonik prepare shashlik on the balcony, turning a simple meal into a neighborhood gathering. The smoke draws curious onlookers who think there's a fire, but the moment becomes a celebration of connection. The kitchen-table talk and shared food deepen the sense of community.
When:Evening Where:Moscow high-rise balcony
- 10
Firefighters and a spontaneous party
Responding to the mistaken fire alarm, firefighters arrive and are drawn into Levon's circle. The interruption becomes a lively, unexpected social gathering rather than a danger. Levon's warmth turns a crisis into a memory and strengthens bonds with neighbors.
When:Evening Where:Outside the apartment
- 11
The gathering widens into lasting friendships
What began as a misinterpreted smoke turns into a recurring, informal neighborhood gathering. Friends and family are drawn together by Levon's generosity, creating a more connected community in their building. The event becomes a reminder of the power of simple hospitality.
When:Following the balcony incident Where:Moscow high-rise
- 12
Farewell at the airport
As Levon's prognosis weighs on everyone, his friends and family gather at the airport to say goodbye. The farewell is heartfelt, capturing the impact of his life and the warmth he shared with others. The film closes on this poignant note of parting and memory.
Where:Airport
Who Are the Main Characters in When September Comes?
5 characters, among them Левон Погосян (Armen Dzhigarkhanyan), Гена (Владимир Nosик) and Нунэ Кондрикова (Laura Gevorkyan): who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
- ЛП
Левон Погосян (Armen Dzhigarkhanyan)
Played by Armen Dzhigarkhanyan
An outgoing Armenian grandfather whose warmth drives the story. He helps neighbors and family alike, turning everyday moments into gatherings. Even after doctors reveal a grave health prognosis, he remains a unifying presence, choosing connection over despair.
- 🤝 Warmth
- 👪 Family
- 🏘️ Community
- 🫶 Generosity
- Г(
Гена (Владимир Nosик)
Played by Vladimir Nosik
A friendly local handyman who builds a grill for Levon and catalyzes a balcony gathering. Practical and approachable, he helps bridge the gap between strangers in the Moscow high-rise. His actions show how small favors can spark a sense of belonging.
- 🧰 Handy
- 🤝 Neighborliness
- 🎉 Social catalyst
- НК
Нунэ Кондрикова (Laura Gevorkyan)
Played by Laura Gevorkyan
Levon's daughter who struggles with jealousy toward her husband. Her tension reflects domestic strain and the emotional undercurrents of family life. She cares for her father while managing a fragile balance at home.
- 💔 Jealousy
- 💬 Domestic life
- НН
Николай Николаевич Иванов (Nikolay Kryuchkov)
Played by Nikolay Kryuchkov
The grandfather of Katya who lends steady, practical support as Levon copes with his health. Wise and dependable, he offers a quiet anchor in the evolving family dynamics. His presence emphasizes intergenerational care.
- 🧭 Wisdom
- 🩺 Health
- 🤝 Helpfulness
- НВ
Настасья Васильевна (Galina Polskikh)
Played by Galina Polskikh
A longtime neighbor and janitor who witnesses the neighborhood’s rhythms. Her steady presence adds texture to the social fabric of the building, illustrating how everyday figures contribute to a caring community.
- 🧹 Janitor
- 🏘️ Community
Where and When Is When September Comes Set?
When September Comes is set in Ashtarak, Armenia, Moscow and Russia. Here is why the place matters to the story.
When
The events unfold in a contemporary urban setting, focusing on family life and everyday moments within a busy city. The story centers on aging, memory, and community bonds as a terminal prognosis subtly shapes choices. The film uses small, intimate gatherings to counterbalance the sprawling city backdrop.
Where
Ashtarak, Armenia, Moscow, Russia
Most of the story unfolds in Moscow, a bustling metropolis with crowded apartment blocks and a brisk, impersonal pace. Levon's Armenian hometown of Ashtarak is referenced as the source of his warmth and communal values. The contrast between Ashtarak and Moscow highlights how he brings people together despite the distance and urban anonymity.
- 🏙️ Moscow city life
- 🗺️ Armenian hometown
What Are the Themes of When September Comes?
4 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Warmth, Mortality and Community.
-
01
Warmth
Levon's generosity and vibrant warmth turn ordinary moments into opportunities for connection. He makes space for neighbors to feel seen and valued. This theme shows how personal kindness can echo through a community.
-
02
Mortality
Doctors reveal a looming prognosis, but the information is withheld from Levon. The film explores acceptance, dignity, and choosing to live fully in the face of death. Mortality becomes a catalyst for celebrating life and relationships.
-
03
Community
A misinterpreted smoke from a balcony turns into a spontaneous gathering, drawing a diverse group of residents together. The high-rise serves as a shared stage for connection, humor, and support. The community's resilience is built on small acts of kindness.
-
04
Family
Family tensions surface, such as Nune's jealousy toward her husband, revealing intimate dynamics behind the cheerful exterior. The interactions within Levon's family reveal loyalty, care, and the complexities of love.
What Kind of Film Is When September Comes?
Bittersweet in tone, with steady pacing and a moderate story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Bittersweet
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Moderate
- Intensity
- Medium
- Ending
- Bittersweet
A warmly bittersweet drama that follows a terminally ill man spreading joy on his final trip, balancing themes of impending loss with a celebration of human connection.
- warm
- poignant
- bittersweet
- reflective
- hopeful
- nostalgic
- family bonds
- connecting with others
- terminal illness
- intergenerational story
Content notes: terminal illness.
Quiz
How well do you remember When September Comes? Test yourself on the story.
