Our 2023 Arpa International Film Festival Team consists of a experienced and youthful group of professionals from wide cross section of the film industry. Their ideas and mutual creative force are what drives the festival’s production and programming, in order to give both the filmmakers and the audience the best festival experience possible.4
Founder
Sylvia Minassian who always had a deep passion for languages and the arts since her youth, holds a Master’s Degree in French Literature. Her passion for the arts led her to start a foundation to promote the arts. Arpa Foundation for Film, Music and Art (AFFMA) was founded in 1995 to provide a platform for filmmakers, musicians and artists, whose work explores subjects of social and cultural importance. In 1997, Sylvia Minassian started the annual Arpa International Film Festival, with a mission to create a dynamic forum for international and local filmmakers who explore such issues as diaspora, war, genocide, dual-identity, exile and multiculturalism. Minassian believes that a festival is first and foremost a product of its participants. She takes great pride in representing AFFMA, a non-profit art foundation whose sole purpose is to recognize the diverse tapestry of international talent and presenting their creative work to an appreciative audience. Each year, the festival looks forward to screen an exceptional program of films from many different countries, taking great pride in the works of all of the filmmakers who, in their brilliant visions, have created their own distinctive place in the Global Film Community.
Festival Director
Maral Kazazian is one of the first members of AFFMA. She holds a degree in chemistry, but her passion for films takes her around globally, and along with her husband they have become serious students of cinema. Maral’s deep interest in photography allows her to connect deeper with people and the many avenues they encounter along the way, she reviews films and invites online audience to engage in creative dialogue on international and independent films.
Jury Liaison
Sonia Keshishian holds a master degree in Dramatic Arts from the CSU in LA. While attending the Theater of Arts, Sonia was one of 40 students selected for the prestigious UCLA summer workshop theatre where she was singled out by the Los Angeles Times, Variety and the Hollywood Reporter for her work. She has acted opposite such acting giants like Ruth Warrick, James Whitmore, Betty Field, and Walter Abel in several theatre productions. Sonia has been a board member of AFFMA since its inception serving as jury liaison where experienced industry professionals pave the way for these talented filmmakers into perfecting their craft.
Technical Director
John Santos is a seasoned entertainment industry veteran with a rich history of contributing to television, theatrical, animation, and video game projects for industry giants such as Warner Bros. and Disney. As a Producer, Designer, and Digital Marketer, he is passionate in exploring innovative ways to fuse technology and entertainment to enhance communication through storytelling, visual design, and accessibility to create experiences that transcends the boundaries of traditional media.
Director of Publicity
Louisa Sharamatyan is a TV Personality, having appeared on several Food Network shows representing Armenian food, culture, and heritage.
She started in the entertainment industry by landing an internship at CBS Entertainment Tonight while in college. She graduated from Cal State LA with a Bachelor in Sociology, focused on Law and Society. After graduating, she started to work for Deluxe Media, the world’s largest post-production company. She worked in several departments, including client services, HR, and Localization. While at Deluxe, she realized she wanted to take her interests a few steps further. She started reporting entertainment news, hosting talk shows, and learning the art of producing TV shows and films. She has hosted LIVE shows and podcasts for Afterbuzz TV, founded by Maria Menounos, and is currently a Red Carpet correspondent for FabTV. Being an influencer on Instagram, she is no stranger to social media. She uses her platform to spread awareness about the Armenian cause, philanthropy, cinema, culinary, etc. She has a vast curiosity and knowledge of films, and we are very excited to have her on board.
Director of Development
Jacklin Boyadjian earned a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from UCLA, graduating Summa Cum Laude. She then pursued a Masters Degree in Public Policy at Pepperdine University. This was followed by a Juris Doctorate degree in 2016, where she represented her school in the Roger Traynor California Appellate Moot Court Competition. Since August 2019 she has been employed by Wilshire Law Firm and is a contributing board member for numerous charitable organizations, including VP of the Armenian International Medical Fund. Prior to joining Wilshire Law Firm, she was with Mardirossian & Associates for 7 years. Jacklin has used her extensive experience in public relations to assist with political campaigns and in the organization of receptions for judicial leaders. She served as Executive Director of the Armenian Bar Association from 2010 to 2014.
Social Media Manager
Anna Seferian is a dynamic Armenian-born influencer, vlogger, and marketer who found her creative roots in the city of Los Angeles. As an alumna of Cal State Northridge University (CSUN), Anna’s commitment to her Armenian heritage shines through her active involvement in the CSUN Armenian Student Association (ASA) and her previous role as an executive member of the Glendale Community College ASA. She has been in social media marketing and selecting films for film festival screening and organizing in Armenian culture groups. Anna’s diverse talents extend beyond her academic pursuits, as she has lent her expertise to Armenian music videos, movies, and television shows. Her impressive portfolio also includes contributions to popular shows such as “The Doctors,” “The Talk,” and “Ridiculousness.” Anna Seferian’s journey embodies a seamless blend of cultural pride, academic achievement, and a passion for the entertainment industry.
Head Programmer
Cammie Jones is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker by day, Artist by Night, Film Lover all the time! She is currently working on a drawing/street photo project, Public Transportation to Fancy Restaurants, capturing over 50 restaurants so far.
#MagneticARTbycammiejones
cammiejones.com
Programmer
Masis Markar is Armenian-American filmmaker, writer and film restoration professional. He has applied his 20 years of expertise to restore such classics as How Green Was My Valley, A Hard Days’ Night, and All That Jazz. He has restored historical news reels as well as the personal family archives of past US presidents, royalty, international politicians, and silver screen stars. He is one of the few people in the world that has been trained on the fabric dye tint technique that was used in the silent era. He continues to write and work on his own projects. In his free time Masis enjoys visiting museums and the zoo with his wife and son.
Programmer
Verkin Arsen, after a long career in health care administration is bringing her passion for art, literature, and cinema to life as a film programmer at ARPA. An avid attendee of almost every ARPA film festival, she is inspired by the incredible talent and artistry of filmmakers. In her spare time, Verkin enjoys cooking, experimenting with different flavors and techniques, oil painting, as well as cultivating her lifelong love of learning by reading. Her association with ARPA springs from her belief that a commitment to community organizations can make a positive impact in the world.
Festival Filmmaker Liaison
Ani Martikyan is originally from Yerevan, Armenia. In 2019, she moved to the U.S to attend Stetson University in Florida. Ani graduated in 2023 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and International Studies. She is currently working at a law firm and she is looking forward to continuing her education. Ani is very active in her community and very much into watching independent films. She says:” Working with the AFFMA/ARPA family is like a dream come true.”
Festival Photographer
Don Q. Hannah is a Vice President, Creative Services at Film Solutions LLC, and founder/principal artist at Parallusion Media Group. Don is a member of the executive committee for AFFMA since 2004 and serves as the official photographer for the Arpa International Film Festival.
Assistant Technical Director
Val Hovanesian is an Armenian filmmaker from Los Angeles California. His career in photography and filmmaking would start at the age of 15 where his grandmother’s long time friend introduced Val to her youngest son Arshag, an inspiring cinematographer. Fast forward, the first day on set was a long one, extending over 16 hours, taking the role of a production assistant, he knew this was something he could do for the rest of his life. The film set was home, and the small project was called, “Ready Made Family”. Currently, Val Hovansian is busy working on a number of screenplays that he plans to direct. He has produced and shot several short films, music videos and commercials his primary roles being in the camera department. As a stunt preformed and actor has appeared in several television shows and films. When he is not writing or shooting on set, his time is spent with leather craft, reading, and watching films.
Festival Advisor
Maria Elena Infantino is an International Singer and Actress. She graduated in acting in London at ALRA (Academy of Live and Recorded Arts) in 2010. Her debut was at the Royal Albert hall, singing for the 50th Beatles Anniversary, starring Dame Shirley Bassey. .That same year she was nominated for the 21st annual L.A. Music Awards as best International artist. Subsequently she created her one woman show on legendary Edith Piaf, which premiered in Los Angeles at the Marilyn Monroe Theatre, at the Lee Strasberg Institute, and subsequently at the Grammy Museum. Among the many successes that this show generated for Ms Infantino, was the inauguration on June 12th of the Piaf and Miles Davis USPS forever stamp, at the Rubin Museum in New York. She has been associate producer and actress in various independent films such as “The Admired” starring Jacqueline Murphy, and “Job’s daughter” with Corey Feldman, Eric Roberts and Doris Roberts, “The secret of joy” , ITV Yorkshire UKseries “Emmerdale” and more. Maria Elena is also on the board of charitable causes such as Caterina’s club founded by CNN hero chef Bruno Serato which feeds 5.000 unprivileged kids a day and Ranch hands rescue in Texas, which provides 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.