Shining a light On What Makes the Arpa International Film Festival Such a standout!
We recently caught up with the ladies behind the Arpa International Film Festival to find out about each of their roles and the work it takes to keep this amazing festival, running after 25 years.
Hi ladies, congrats on all the wonderful work and achievements you have made with the festival! Arpa IFF is a very prestigious festival that has been around for many years, and this year, the gala was held at The Beverly Hilton. What makes this festival stand out so much compared to other festivals?
For the last 25 years, Arpa International Film Festival has brought some of the finest films to its film-loving community. our creative and passionately driven filmmakers each year deliver socially relevant and universal messages. Arpa is appealing and special because it allows our filmmakers to tell their unique stories. Undoubtedly, all of these elements’ quality, the enthusiasm of the filmmakers and the networking, and everything in between uphold Arpa’s vision of encouraging and supporting our gifted storytellers’ endeavors.
Besides giving the special attention our filmmakers deserve, we make sure we select jury members from all walks of life in the film industry whose contribution to recognizing the importance of independent films is vital to any film festival.
What are each of your roles when it comes to this festival?
Sylvia Minassian as the founder oversees all the activities of the festival. She makes sure that right decisions are made with films, filmmakers, events, promotions, honorees, and every other detail to make the festival continue to accomplish its mission.
Maral Kazazian, the festival director gets involved in the film committee, going through submissions to nominations and communications with the filmmakers. She personally takes charge of making sure to help select the films that fit the festival. She puts extra time to arrange Q and A’s, special groups to film audiences creating forums and mixers.
Sonia Keshishian, the Jury liaison, puts a lot of time and effort to organize the best jury possible each year to make sure that all the nominated films are watched and scored according to their best abilities. She selects them from experienced industry individuals who participate in watching and judging according to their expertise.
Jacklin Boyadjian Minassian, as the festival producer, takes a key leadership role in the planning and execution of the festival’s main events. She also works with the festival team to create a vision of the brand and manage the team that is responsible for bringing the event to life. For this year’s AIFF’s 25th Silver Anniversary Annual Gala at the Hilton BH, her role extends to overseeing the silent auction section, along with production details, management of ticketing and guest accreditation. She also helps recruit and supervise seasonal staff, interns, and volunteers to help carry out the many needs of the festival.
Louisa Sharamatyan is the newest member to join the ARPA International Film Festival as director of social media and publicity. Her role is to showcase and promote ARPA IFF’s past and present journey throughout the 25 years, highlight our filmmakers and nominees and educate our followers about the importance of using film as a medium to share powerful stories. As an influencer on Instagram and an active member of the Armenian Diaspora, she uses her professional platforms for philanthropic causes. She amplifies awareness of international contributions to the cinematic arts and humanity.
We are thrilled to have her passion for film and an insatiable curiosity for the art form leading our social media presence.
Do you feel with everything going on in the world right now, that it is even more important to raise awareness on an international level through film and filmmakers who are passionate about telling a story in the most honest way?
Arpa being the longest running festival in Hollywood with its long-standing mission has been raising awareness for the cultural understanding and global empathy, creating a dynamic forum for international cinema, by showcasing local and international films that explore critical issues, such as war, genocide, diaspora, dual identity, exile and multi-culturalism. This year, more than ever, the diverse tapestry of inspiring films to be featured from around the world will inspire our local and worldwide community to connect and advance progressive cinematic art.
Who were the hosts of this year’s gala?
The festival was fortunate to have two dynamic individuals as our hosts. Gracing our stage was Fox 11’s Emmy Award winning anchor of Good Day LA, Araksya Karapetyan and entertainment anchor Amanda Salas.
Who are some of the films and filmmakers that were highlighted at this year’s festival? Do you predict any Oscar buzz?
This year, the festival will be streaming over 80 films from 26 different countries on Eventive, from November 4–22, free of charge globally. The festival is very satisfied with the online streaming, making the works of hard-working independent filmmaker’s stories to be viewed from around the world.
What would you like audiences and artists to take away with them after being part of the Arpa IFF?
We would like our audience to watch the films we selected and nominated with an open mind and an open heart. Every single one of the films will teach you something about the different cultures in the world that you may not have heard before and you will also realize how similar we all are. We have several films about war torn areas, such as the short documentary Spring Break on the Ukrainian Border (April 2022) directed by June Musurlian (United States) made by a teenager, and several full-length documentaries about wars, such as the war in Artsakh — Motherland, directed by Vic Gerami (United States) and The Armenian Spirit directed by Angela Asatrian (United States) just to mention a few.
Programmer’s favorite full-length documentary, “The Captain’s Heart” directed by Simon Bang (Denmark) “The captain can keep the world and its wars at bay, but he cannot control his family and their desire for freedom. Nor can he submit to the new world that has arisen from the ashes of the old. Seventeen years in the making, acclaimed storyboard artist and painter Simon Bang in his first feature documentary digs into a painful family story spanning two world wars and a life at sea.
Two amazing Full-length features “Car 24” directed by Matias Desiderio (United States) and “It’s Spring” directed by Roman Musheghyan (Armenia), one addressing the problems in Los Angeles right now, such as crime and homelessness while the other teaches us the traditions in Armenia
Every one of the short films is a jewel — In the short film “In-Between” directed by Juliana Khanjian (United States), Vana, a young woman with ALS, wakes up in a dream-like state stuck between her world and the afterlife. After meeting the gatekeeper, David, she finds out that she must make a monumental decision of either going back to her life with ALS surrounded by loved ones or continuing on to the afterlife.
Another amazing short, Georgia directed by Jayil Pak (Korea, Republic of) is based on a true story- When the police refuse to investigate their daughter’s alleged suicide, two computer-illiterate parents decide to design a protest banner. Based on the infamous Miryang case in South Korea which shocked the nation in 2004 and continues to fuel public outrage even today.
Animation- “The Record” directed by Jonathan Laskar (Switzerland) an antique musical instrument dealer receives a magical vinyl record from a traveler: “It reads your mind and plays your lost memories”. Obsessed by this endless record, the antique dealer listens to it again and again, and the memories reemerge until one last and most painful memory is revealed: how he got separated from his mother on the Swiss border during World War II.
Where can people go to, to get involved with such a wonderful and inspiring organization?
Please visit our website at ArpaFilmFestival.com where you can find all the information on our upcoming events and ways to volunteer. Our email is ArpaFilmFestival@Gmail.com for any direct questions.
Please follow us on social media at @ArpaFilmFestival
