The Arpa Foundation for Film, Music, and Art announces its 17th annual Arpa International Film Festival, to be held November 14-16th, 2014 at the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood, Asbarez reports.
For the 17th year, Arpa received hundreds of submissions featuring the films of up-and-coming writers, producers, and directors from more than 15 countries. With award winning films including: As it Used to Be and Sombras de Azul, along with SXSW nominated, I Believe in Unicorns, the Arpa Film Festival is attracting viewers and tastemakers from all over the world.
“We’re thrilled about this year’s festival line-up, which includes both domestic and international films and filmmakers, ready to showcase their work,” said Festival Director, Michael Ashjian. “It’s our goal to stay true to our mission in cultivating awareness of important topics that affect our society through the medium of film. We can’t wait to share these films with everyone!”
Each night includes featured premieres to be announced in the coming weeks, and all three premiere nights feature a red carpet and after parties. Arpa will close out the festival on Sunday, November 16th with an award ceremony celebrating Best Feature Film, Best Documentary Film, Best Short Film, Best Music Video, Best Director and Best Screenwriter. Other recognitions will include the Lifetime Achievement Award, AFFMA Foundation Award, and the Armin T. Wegner Humanitarian Award, presented each year to a filmmaker whose film deals with subjugated peoples, ethnic cleansing, forced deportation, massacres and genocides.
The panel to judge the films is equally impressive, and includes Marc Bienstock, Angus Sutherland, and Campbell McInnes of Lotus Entertainment as well as Daljit DJ Paramar of Original Entertainment, and Emmy Award-Winning Producer, Stan Brooks.
“Over the past 17 years I’ve seen the change and development of independent film and their respective filmmakers. Arpa tries to garner the talents of these new filmmakers, those who are at the forefront of the newest and best filmmaking techniques, in order to present their work to the world,” said AFFMA Founder and head of Arpa Board of Directors, Sylvia Minassian. “This year’s festival represents a culmination of a year’s work for our committee in selecting what we think is our most varied and interesting program yet.”
Arpa Film Festival is led by AFFMA Founder Sylvia Minassian, Festival Director Michael Ashjian, and Executive Producer Alex Kalognomos. Also serving as Co-Producer of the festival, indie filmmaker Sev Ohanian, Co-Producer of 2013’s indie phenomenon Fruitvale Station and recently named one of TheWrap’s 11 Thought Leaders Who Are Changing Hollywood – alongside Angelina Jolie and Jimmy Fallon.
For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit http://www.itsmyseat.com/affma/ LIKE the festival on Facebook.com/ArpaFilmFestival and Follow @ArpaFilmFest.
Premiere night festivities and full weekend program will be announced in the coming weeks and all films and show times are subject to change.
Founded in 1995, the AFFMA (Arpa Foundation for Film, Music and Art) is a non-profit organization, formed for the purpose of promoting the arts and enhancing the cultural environment of our community by supporting artists who bridge the cultural divide, unifying diverse people and cultures through the arts.
Since its inception, AFFMA has supported a spectrum of artists including writers, photographers, filmmakers, dancers, designers, actors and musicians, by staging networking events, concerts, art exhibits, book signings, fashion shows, talent shows, musical performances, lectures, forums, comedy nights, special screenings, private premiers, and most significantly staging its signature event, the Arpa International Film Festival since 1997.
For over 17 years, Arpa film festival continues to promote independent filmmakers, cultivating cultural understanding and global empathy in the heart of Hollywood. Through the generous support of our donors and sponsors, our yearly film festival event inspires people of all backgrounds and creates opportunities for creative expression. Arpa’s dedicated production team is committed to make a difference in fueling the global arena of independent cinema.
