Our 2025 Arpa International Film Festival team consists of an experienced and youthful group of professionals from a wide cross-section of the film industry. Their ideas and mutual creative force drive the festival’s production and programming to provide both filmmakers and audiences with the best festival experience possible.
FOUNDER
Sylvia Minassian has nurtured a lifelong passion for languages and the arts. She holds a Master’s Degree in French Literature, and her dedication to the arts inspired her to create a foundation to support creative expression. In 1995, she founded the Arpa Foundation for Film, Music and Art (AFFMA), providing a platform for filmmakers, musicians, and artists whose work explores socially and culturally significant themes.
In 1997, Sylvia launched the annual Arpa International Film Festival, aiming to create a vibrant forum for filmmakers addressing issues such as diaspora, war, genocide, dual identity, exile, and multiculturalism. She believes a festival is, above all, shaped by its participants, and takes great pride in representing AFFMA, a nonprofit devoted to showcasing international talent. Each year, the festival presents an exceptional program of films from around the world, celebrating the unique visions of filmmakers who contribute to the global film community.
FESTIVAL DIRECTOR
Maral Kazazian is one of the founding members of AFFMA. Though she holds a degree in chemistry, her passion for film has taken her around the world. Alongside her husband, she has become a dedicated student of cinema. Maral’s keen interest in photography enables her to connect deeply with people and the diverse experiences they encounter. She actively reviews films and encourages online audiences to engage in thoughtful dialogue on international and independent cinema.
JURY LIAISON
Sonia Keshishian holds a master’s degree in Dramatic Arts from CSU Los Angeles. While attending the Theatre of Arts, she was one of 40 students selected for the prestigious UCLA Summer Workshop Theatre and was recognized by the Los Angeles Times, Variety, and The Hollywood Reporter for her work. Sonia has acted alongside legendary performers such as Ruth Warrick, James Whitmore, Betty Field, and Walter Abel in numerous theater productions. A board member of AFFMA since its inception, she serves as Jury Liaison, connecting talented filmmakers with experienced industry professionals to help them refine and perfect their craft.
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR / FESTIVAL PRODUCER
John Santos is a seasoned entertainment industry veteran with experience across television, theater, animation, and video game projects for major companies including Warner Bros. and Disney. As a producer, designer, and digital marketer, he is passionate about merging technology and entertainment to enhance storytelling, visual design, and accessibility, creating experiences that go beyond traditional media.
PUBLIC RELATIONS
Jasmin Espada is an award-winning entertainment PR strategist, publicist, and film producer; founder of Espada Public Relations, one of Hollywood’s original multicultural PR firms. Recent world press tours include Mission: Impossible Dead Reckoning and Mission: Impossible The Final Reckoning with client Esai Morales.
DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMMING MODERATOR
Cammie Jones discovered her love for cinema in the revival houses of Los Angeles, where she was first inspired by the power of visual storytelling. Her formal journey in film began with the Los Angeles Filmex Film Festival in the early 1980s, and for the past eight years she has led programming and moderated Q&As at the Arpa International Film Festival. A Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) for 35 years, Cammie brings a deep understanding of the human experience to her film curation and creative work. As a multidisciplinary artist, she values stories that illuminate, challenge, and transform, and is recognized for her instinct in discovering emerging filmmakers. Her work reflects a lifelong belief in the emotional and cultural power of cinema.
FESTIVAL ADMINISTRATOR
Carina Julia Goschin is passionate about the motion picture industry and lives in the heart of the San Fernando Valley. Inspired at a young age by film historian Robert Osborne, she pursued a career in film archives. Carina earned a Bachelor of Science in Media Arts and Animation from the Art Institute of California – North Hollywood and is currently completing a Master’s in Library and Information Sciences at San Jose State University, focusing on research and preservation in film archives. She also works as a curator’s assistant at the Ararat-Eskijian Museum and Research Center, supporting their archival collections.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Animari Khachikyan is a singer, songwriter, and bag designer. Currently in her final year of school, she has always been dedicated to pursuing her creative goals. Passionate about music and travel, she has participated in numerous musical competitions that have shaped her growth as an artist. Animari continues to create songs that resonate deeply with audiences.
PROGRAMMER
Masis Markar is an Armenian-American filmmaker, writer, and film restoration professional with over 20 years of experience. He has restored cinematic classics such as How Green Was My Valley, A Hard Day’s Night, and All That Jazz, as well as historical newsreels and personal archives of U.S. presidents, royalty, and film legends. One of the few experts trained in the rare fabric dye tint technique from the silent era, Masis continues to write and develop his own creative projects. In his free time, he enjoys visiting museums and the zoo with his wife and sons.
PROGRAMMER
Anna Seferian is a dynamic Armenian-born influencer, vlogger, and marketer who discovered her creative voice in Los Angeles. A graduate of California State University, Northridge (CSUN), she has been actively involved in the Armenian Student Association (ASA) both at CSUN and Glendale Community College. Anna has extensive experience in social media marketing, film selection for festivals, and event organization within Armenian cultural circles. Her diverse background includes contributions to Armenian music videos, films, and television, as well as work on popular programs such as The Doctors, The Talk, and Ridiculousness. Her journey reflects a strong blend of cultural pride, creativity, and passion for the entertainment industry.
PROGRAMMER
Verkin Arsen brings her passion for art, literature, and cinema to life as a film programmer at the Arpa International Film Festival, following a long career in healthcare administration. A devoted attendee of nearly every Arpa festival, she is continually inspired by the creativity and artistry of filmmakers. In her spare time, Verkin enjoys cooking, exploring new flavors, oil painting, and reading. Her involvement with Arpa reflects her belief in the power of community and the positive impact of cultural engagement.
PROGRAMMER
Maro Khodaveerdi is an actress born and raised in Milan, Italy. She trained at the Tracy Roberts Actor Studio in Los Angeles and the Acting Center in Milan, studying and working with director Vincent Gaeta. After returning to Los Angeles, she joined AGBU’s Ardavazt Theatre Company and, for the past 20 years, has collaborated with director Aramazd Stepanian and The Armenian Theatre Company. With an active career in both film and theatre, Maro brings depth and passion to every role. From 2005 to 2013, she was involved with the Arpa International Film Festival and is delighted to reconnect with it once again. Outside of acting, she is a devoted parent and advocate for human rights, passionate about vegetarianism, spirituality, psychology, and creative charitable work such as knitting for good causes.
VOLUNTEER
Mariana Yeghiazaryan is an Armenian actress and co-founder of Theatre 8 in Armenia. Now based in Los Angeles, she is studying filmmaking and continuing her artistic journey. This year, she is volunteering with the Arpa International Film Festival to support independent voices and gain experience in the creative industry.
VOLUNTEER
Aleen S. Keshishian is the newest festival team member to join ARPA. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from CSUN (Class of 2025). Born and raised in Glendale, California, she has a great interest in film and fashion. She holds a special love for Hollywood’s Golden Age especially in details such as costume design, set design and the magic of film making. As a member, she aspires to play a productive role in the ARPA festival team.
FESTIVAL PHOTOGRAPHER
Don Q. Hannah is the Vice President of Creative Services at Film Solutions LLC and the founder and principal artist of Parallusion Media Group. A member of the AFFMA executive committee since 2004, he also serves as the official photographer for the Arpa International Film Festival.
PUBLIC RELATIONS SPECIALIST
With over 15 years of experience in television, public, and commercial projects across Armenia, France, and the USA, Edgar Ayvazyan has focused on bridging cultures and showcasing talent. He has produced numerous television programs and served as Chief Producer at Newmeg, Armenia’s leading publishing house, organizing major book and art festivals and representing Charles Aznavour’s works translated into Armenian.
FESTIVAL ADVISOR
Maria Elena Infantino is an international singer and actress who graduated from the Academy of Live and Recorded Arts (ALRA) in London. She made her debut at the Royal Albert Hall, performing for the 50th Beatles Anniversary alongside Dame Shirley Bassey, and was later nominated for Best International Artist at the 21st Annual L.A. Music Awards. She gained acclaim for her one-woman show on Edith Piaf, which premiered at the Marilyn Monroe Theatre and later at the Grammy Museum. Her film and television credits include The Admired, Job’s Daughter, The Secret of Joy, and ITV’s Emmerdale. Beyond her artistic work, Maria Elena supports charitable causes such as Caterina’s Club, which feeds thousands of children daily, and Ranch Hands Rescue, providing therapy for abused children and animals.
Festival Advisor (Armenia Liaison)
Manvel Saribekyan, film producer Republic of Armenia. Founding Director of “Man Pictures” Studio. He is the author and producer of “The Map of Gratitude” and several other film projects produced by Man Pictures Studio. Author of the film idea and Producer of “The Fate and the Art”, “The Map of Salvation” produced by Man Pictures Studio.