Welcome to the 17th Annual Arpa International film Festival. Our festival is one of the oldest running international film festivals in Hollywood, and we are proud to present another incredible selection of international and domestic cinema.
Our programming team this year was lead by Michael Aloyan and Armen Karaoghlanian, who with their experience, creative visions, and knowledge of independent cinema dedicated themselves to choosing the great films we have during out festival weekend. With 48 films from over 15 countries, our festival is yet again a true representation of what great international filmmaking has to offer.
I would like to extend my appreciation to Alex Kalognomos, who as former Director and current Executive Producer of the festival, has been a true mentor in introducing me to the world of independent filmmaking. I would like to thank Sylvia Minassian, Maral Kazazian, and Sonia Keshishian for sharing their years of experience of creating a forum where filmmakers are truly the focus and where they can thrive. In addition, I would like to express my gratitude to our incredible festival executive committee. Without their ideas, help, support and enthusiasm, this festival would undoubtedly not be possible.
It is our goal to stay true to our mission in helping cultivate filmmakers’ talents and create awareness of important topics that affect our society through the medium of film. We are very proud to share these films with everyone. It is with an incredible sense of gratification that I welcome our audience and our filmmakers to the 17th Arpa International Film Festival.
Michael Ashjian, 2014 Festival Director
17th Arpa International Film Festival – November 14-16 2014, Egyptian Theatre, Hollywood
(meet the rest of our 2014 Team)