Arpa Foundation for Film, Music & Art (AFFMA) is a nonprofit organization founded in 1995 with the purpose of providing a platform for filmmakers, musicians and artists, whose works explore subjects of social and cultural importance. AFMMA’s biggest endeavor was launching its signature Arpa International Film Festival (Arpa IFF) in 1997, which quickly came to be recognized as one of the leading indie film festivals in Southern California. 

Mission

Arpa International Film Festival (Arpa IFF) is dedicated to cultivating cultural understanding and global empathy by creating a dynamic forum for international cinema. Over the past 24 years, the festival has bridged cultural divides by fostering dialogue among people of diverse backgrounds. By showcasing local and international films that explore critical issues such as war, genocide, diaspora, dual identities, exile and multiculturalism, Arpa IFF has solidified its role in safeguarding films that continue to make a social impact.

History

Arpa International Film Festival (Arpa IFF) was launched in 1997 by Sylvia Minassian with the support and encouragement of her husband. Arpa IFF celebrated it’s 20th anniversary in November 2017, and has come to be recognized as one of the oldest independent film festival for international cinema in Los Angeles. Since its inception, the festival has continuously embraced the diversity among local and international filmmakers.

The inaugural Arpa International Film Festival was held at the Alfred Hitchcock Theatre located at Universal Studios. Special guests included producers Hank Moonjean (Dangerous Liaisons, Beauty and the Beast) and Howard Kazanjian (Raiders of the Lost Ark, Star Wars: Return of the Jedi). The festival found a new home for several years at Raleigh Studios, one of the oldest studios in Hollywood, dating back to 1915. Equally historic, the Roosevelt Hotel was the location for the festival’s Award Ceremonies. Arpa International Film Festival’s rapid growth and popularity in 2003-2006 brought the festival to the Arclight Cinemas in Hollywood, with the Awards Gala taking place at the Universal Sheraton Hotel.

From 2006 to 2018 the Arpa International Film Festival (Arpa IFF) has been held at the world renowned Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood until Netflix purchased this historic venue.

Our big anniversary, the 20th Annual Awards Banquet took place at the Loews Hollywood Hotel on November 5th, 2017. Honorees included music icon Chris Cornell (in memoriam), Oscar-winning director Terry George (The Promise, The Shore, Hotel Rwanda, In the Name of the Father), actor Carl Weathers (Rocky, Predator, Happy Gilmore) and Oscar-winning screenwriter Alexander Dinelaris (Birdman), with special performances by theremin virtuoso Armen Ra and vocalist Mister X.

In 2019 the Arpa International Film Festival (Arpa IFF) was forced to find a new home and it was held at the historic American Legion Theater Hollywood Post 43, showcasing a dynamic set of films from around the world.

2021 marked the 24th anniversary of Arpa International Film Festival, the signature event of the Arpa Foundation for Film, Music and Art (AFFMA). In consideration of the continuing challenges and uncertainty stemming from the Covid-19 pandemic, and per the extended federal and state guidelines, the organizers decided to stream the festival online, instead of theatrical screenings due to the social distancing measures in place.

Everyone here at the Arpa IFF understands that the Covid-19 crisis has completely upended the lives and plans of many of our filmmakers for 2021. We’ve reached out to a number of you, including our festival partners and industry professionals about their concerns, challenges, and their outlook on moving forward and exploring options for presenting your work safely online.  Similar to last year, our 24th Annual Arpa International Film Festival was made available for streaming as a 15-day Online Festival scheduled from  November 21 – December 5, 2021 with our partner, Eventive.org.

2022 represents our 25th anniversary of our festival, which we hope to have in-person, if COVID regulations permit. Please stay tuned for more details.

Through the years, many industry greats have taken part in Arpa International Film Festival as honorees, presenters, emcees, special award recipients, and attendees. Celebrities such as Atom Egoyan, Dean Caine, Alanis Morrissette, Leo Chaloukian, Vivica A. Fox, Roselyn Sanchez, Howard Kazanjian, Mardik Martin, Dana Daurey, Dean Haglund, Josie Davis, Alek Keshishian, Emilio Rivera, Hank Moonjean, Bob Papazian, Jim Hirsch, Cheech Marin, Tony Shaloub, Shorheh Aghdashloo, Arthur Sarkissian, Marilu Henner, Ken Davitian, Leo Quinones, Ara Keshishian, Marla Maples, Haik Gazarian, James Duke Mason, Francis Fisher, Sid Haig, David Alpay, Raya Meddine, Heather McComb, Anoush NeVart, Mike Connors, Caroline Aaron, and many others.