‘The Chosen’ Actress Elizabeth Tabish Talks New Film

THE BETWEEN BORDERS STORY

The film is based on the true story of Ivan and Violetta Petrosyan, a young, Armenian couple raising their two young daughters in Azerbaijan, which borders Armenia.  Though born in the former country and at peace there for decades, tensions over disputed land build as the Soviet Union crumbles in the late 1980’s.  As if overnight, Armenians are suddenly considered outcasts, facing discrimination, property damage, and threats at best; violence and death at worst.  The Petrosyans realize that they must leave their homeland and seek refuge with friends of the family in Volgograd, Russia.  Life there isn’t much better, as they again are met with disdain, and forced to live in poverty.  One thing, however, is very good in their new location: Christian missionaries.  They serve as buffers between the Petrosyans and corrupt authorities, and invite them to church, where they explain the gospel.  Violetta comes to faith in Jesus, while Ivan stays on the fringes, worried his wife has fallen prey to another system of belief that will let her down, as communism has.  In time, he also seeks the counsel of the pastor, and finds reason to hope in God. 

At the invitation of one of the missionaries, an American, whose West Virginia church offers to support the Petrosyans, they travel to the U.S. to seek asylum – and a better life.  Their hopes appear dashed, however, when an unsympathetic U.S. immigration attorney twists their story, determined to see their plea for asylum denied.  She offers them a deal to stay in America only until “things improve” in Russia, at which time they must return, with no chance for asylum.  Seeing no future for their family in such a deal, the Petrosyans turn it down, their fate now resting in the hands of the judge.  

A number of things drew Elizabeth to this role, she says.  First, she was approached by friend and co-writer, Isaac Norris, whose own father was one of the Christian missionaries depicted in the film.  Also, Elizabeth is of Armenian (and Italian) descent herself, making the context of the story all the more meaningful to her.  Next, her great-grandmother grew up in Tehran, Iran, and felt like a refugee throughout her adult life.  Elizabeth admired how she rose above discrimination, and demonstrated strength through her love of family.  Lastly, Elizabeth said she relates to the character of Violetta, who also shows a deep love for her family, doing everything possible to better their lives.  Audiences can see Between Borders, a Fathom movie event, in theatres across the nation from Sunday, January 26 through Tuesday, January 28, 2025.  

HER HOPES FOR VIEWERS

The stability and strength that Violetta displays in the film come from her new relationship with God, Elizabeth explains, and are not based on circumstances changing, or even the prospect of a new life in America, though that is her hope.  She may well have to return to Russia, poverty, and mistreatment, but her undergirding faith gives her hope, no matter.  That perspective is what Elizabeth hopes viewers come away with after watching the movie.  Also, she hopes people will realize what a great country the U.S. is, despite its many problems, and the 
contributions of countless legal immigrants and refugees who’ve enriched it with their culture and hard work.    

ONE OF THE CHOSEN

Cast as Mary Magdalene in the immensely-popular, crowd-funded, Bible TV series, The Chosen, Elizabeth says it’s a great honor to play this woman who was so significant to Jesus.  She loves hearing how people are moved by a scene or episode and how some who are not believers become curious about the gospel.  “Though it’s a job, and we do what is written for us, there’s a heartbeat through it all,” she says, referring to the faith of the cast and the affect it has on them while portraying Christ’s disciples.  

Her favorite episode thus far is the very first one, in which Jesus calls her by name, though He had no earthly way of knowing it.  His simple words demonstrate not only omniscience, but what she needed most – divine love.  That love would set her free from sin, demonic possession, and the search for her true identity and purpose.  

Season five of The Chosen will be released in theaters in late March before it begins streaming.  It’s summed up this way by The Deseret News: “The table is set. The people of Israel welcome Jesus as king while his disciples anticipate his crowning. But — instead of confronting Rome — he turns the tables on the Jewish religious festival. Their power threatened, the country’s religious and political leaders will go to any length to ensure this Passover meal is Jesus’ last.”
 

To find out more about Elizabeth Tabish and her up-and-coming projects click the link! www.elizabethtabish.com

CREDITS

Actress, plays “Violetta,” in Between Borders (Pinnacle Peak and StoryLight Productions, 2025) based on the true story of an Armenian refugee family in the late 80’s / Plays “Mrs. Grady” in the recent movie, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, 2024 / Plays “Molly Garner” in The Shift, 2023 / Renowned for her portrayal of Mary Magdalene in The Chosen, 2017 – present / Notable appearances in the TV series The Son and Panic / Began her career in the film and commercial industry, appearing in various commercials, independent films, and network television projects / Master of Arts in Theater and a Bachelor of Arts in Film Studies from Oklahoma State University / Award-winning filmmaker who has directed numerous independent short films exploring female archetypes / Married to Stan Mayer