Three days of screening 46 independent films from 22 countries, the 18th Annual Arpa International Film Festival concluded with its prestigious Awards Ceremony. Held at the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood, master of ceremonies, Charles Davis was eloquent and engaging, offering sprinkles of humor that ensured a memorable experience for all.
Seven presenters, Michael Arabian, Anne Bedian, Bertila Damas, Rick Rosenthal, Janet Roth, Hrach Titizian, and Karina Weeks graced the stage and introduced the award winners. Half-way through the ceremony, soulful singer, Shaherah White warmed the room singing, My Funny Valentine.
Four of the five main awards — Best Short, Best Documentary, Best Screenplay, and Best Director — were announced first. Followed by the Rising Star Award, honoring actor David Dastmalchian, who touched the audience with a moving acceptance speech that focused on giving back and supporting creative expression. He thanked the Festival for “helping young actors and struggling filmmakers all over the world to continue to express themselves and tell their story;” and he assured everyone that “no matter how little our stories are, they are worth telling.”
The coveted Best Feature Film award was announced and succeeded by the Armin T. Wegner Humanitarian Award — which was bestowed to the co-director team, Ela Alyamac and Aren Perdeci, of the feature film, Lost Birds. Alyamac and Perdeci beamed, clutching their third award of the night, saying, “We feel like we are at home here at the Arpa International Film Festival.”
The final award of the night, the Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Esai Morales. An outstanding actor and activist, or Actorvist, Morales captivated the audience when sharing a personal story about facing a fear and then emboldened them with a passionate plea …
“Take on your fears. Don’t let your fears shut your greatness down. You have a reason for being on this planet. Find it. And fight your challenges and let them (your challenges) make you a better person.” — Esai Morales
Morales received a well deserved standing ovation.
Sylvia Minassian, founder of Arpa International Film Festival, joined Esai Morales and other award winners, presenters, and dignitaries on the stage for photo ops. Minassian donned a Cheshire cat grin — proud, that the 18th Festival was a resounding success and happy, that she was only minutes away from celebrating with everyone at the Post-Awards party.
#ArpaFilmFestival 2015 award winners are …
Best Feature Film
Lost Birds (2015) | Turkey | Director: Ela Alyamac, Aren Perdeci | Writers: Ela Alyamac, Aren Perdeci | Language: Turkish, Armenian
Best Documentary
My Life in China (2014) | U.S.A. | Director: Kenneth Eng | Writer: Ehren Parks | Language: Chinese
Best Short Film
The Loyalist (2015) | South Korea, USA | Director: Minji Kang | Writer: Willem Lee | Language: Korean
Best Director
Ela Alyamac and Aren Perdeci, Lost Birds
Best Screenplay
Zymber Kelmendi, Three Windows and a Hanging (2014) | Kosovo | Language: Albanian
Lifetime Achievement
Esai Morales
Armin T. Wegner Humanitarian
Lost Birds, Ela Alyamac and Aren Perdeci (writers-directors-producers)
Rising Star
David Dastmalchian
Photographs by Don Hannah, Arpa International Film Festival Photographer
Written by Sharon Swainson
Communications & Content Development
2015 Arpa International Film Festival