Discover a world of cinematic storytelling at the Harmony Gold Theater (7655 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90046) in Hollywood. From Friday, October 25 to Sunday, October 27, 2024 , experience a diverse selection of international films that explore thought-provoking social and cultural themes. Immerse yourself in captivating narratives, stunning visuals, and powerful performances. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with filmmakers and audiences from around the globe.
Join us for the Women in Filmmaking panel, a powerful conversation highlighting the unique challenges and opportunities women face in the film industry. Hear from accomplished female filmmakers as they share their personal journeys, from breaking into the business to overcoming obstacles and achieving success in a male-dominated field. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to advance your career, this panel offers invaluable insights on navigating the industry, building connections, and finding your voice as a filmmaker. Discover how women are shaping the future of cinema, and leave inspired to pursue your own creative path.
Join us for the Women in Filmmaking panel, a powerful conversation highlighting the unique challenges and opportunities women face in the film industry. Hear from accomplished female filmmakers as they share their personal journeys, from breaking into the business to overcoming obstacles and achieving success in a male-dominated field. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to advance your career, this panel offers invaluable insights on navigating the industry, building connections, and finding your voice as a filmmaker. Discover how women are shaping the future of cinema, and leave inspired to pursue your own creative path.
Speakers include Mary Apick, Dianne Baker, Micky Levy, Valerie McCaffrey
FILM: Women in Armenian Cinema
YEAR: 2023
COUNTRY: Armenia
CATEGORY: Short Documentary
RUNNING TIME: 00:32:00
DIRECTOR: Mariam Ohanyan
WRITER: Mariam Ohanyan
PRODUCER: Mariam Ohanyan
LOGLINE: “Women in Armenian Cinema” celebrates a century of Armenian film, highlighting forgotten female directors from the Soviet Era and showcasing contemporary works.
FILM: The Diamond Couple
YEAR: 2024
COUNTRY: United States
CATEGORY: Feature-Length Documentary
RUNNING TIME: 01:20:04
DIRECTOR: Sonja Milka Bertucci
WRITER: Sonja Milka Bertucci
PRODUCER: Blue Crystal Production, Retroviseurs Productions
LOGLINE: A meditation on memory and aging, this film follows a centenarian couple as they revisit their lives, discovering the enduring power of connection and the beauty of each passing moment.
FILM: Driving the Green Book
YEAR: 2022
COUNTRY: United States
CATEGORY: Short Documentary
RUNNING TIME: 00:40:00
PRODUCER: Mike De Caro, Alvin Hall, Saro Varjabedian
LOGLINE: Alvin Hall and his mentees embark on a road trip across Long Island, retracing the routes of The Negro Motorist Green Book. They uncover hidden stories of segregation and explore how its legacy continues to impact Black travelers today.
Hybrid Magic: A Secret Art of Independent Filmmaking
Roger Kupelian is a visionary filmmaker and artist with nearly three decades of experience contributing to some of the most iconic Hollywood films. From bringing Middle-earth to life in Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings Trilogy to crafting stunning visuals for Clint Eastwood’s Flags of Our Fathers and Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland, Roger’s work spans a wide range of genres and styles. He’s also been involved in innovative projects like Marvel’s Moon Knight and the Signs of Life full-dome show at the Griffith Park Observatory.
His artwork has been featured in numerous publications, including The Lord of the Rings film books, and even became part of a special stamp collection for New Zealand’s postal service. Roger’s creative vision extends beyond film—he’s directed award-winning music videos and short films, blending both modern and traditional techniques. His talent for storytelling also shines in his graphic novel series, East of Byzantium, with illustrations that have appeared in various major publications.
Join Roger Kupelian’s Masterclass for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the artistry of visual effects from one of Hollywood’s top talents. Roger will share his unique approach to creating stunning, handcrafted visuals that stand out in a world increasingly dominated by artificial intelligence. You’ll get insider knowledge on the techniques he’s used to bring legendary films to life and learn how to apply these skills to your own projects. This is your chance to dive deep into the magic of visual effects and discover how to craft cinematic visuals that leave a lasting impression in today’s film industry.
Join us on the red carpet at the Arpa International Film Festival for unforgettable photo ops and a celebration of cinema! Mingle with filmmakers, creatives, and storytellers while soaking in the energy of the event. Take your moment in front of the step and repeat and connect with our vibrant community.
Experience a night of networking and celebration at our exclusive reception. Meet with industry professionals, filmmakers, and fellow enthusiasts as you mingle and discuss the latest in the world of cinema. Enjoy light refreshments and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the festival. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and make lasting memories.
FILM: The Red Scarf – A Story of Armenian Hope
YEAR: 2024
COUNTRY: United States
CATEGORY: Animated Film
RUNNING TIME: 00:16:02
DIRECTOR: Michael Q Ceballos
WRITER: Keith Kaczorek
PRODUCER: Twiddle Productions Inc., The USC Shoah Foundation
LOGLINE: “The Red Scarf – A Story of Armenian Hope” intertwines the lives of two young boys, one a survivor of the Armenian Genocide and the other a Hollywood child star. United by a special scarf and their shared spirit of compassion, their stories inspire hope and resilience across continents.
FILM: Here’s Yianni!
YEAR: 2024
COUNTRY: United States
CATEGORY: Feature Narrative Film
RUNNING TIME: 01:41:15
DIRECTOR: Christina Eliopoulos
WRITER: Christina Eliopoulos
PRODUCER: Valerie Mccaffrey, Colleen Camp, Joe Cortese, Jason Jallet
LOGLINE: A Greek diner owner, diagnosed with dementia, imagines himself as a late-night talk show host. His wife must navigate his illness while keeping his spirits up and preserving his legacy of warmth and hospitality.
FILM: Enescu, Skinned Alive
YEAR: 2024
COUNTRY: Romania
CATEGORY: Feature Narrative Film
RUNNING TIME: 02:00:00
DIRECTOR: Toma Enache
WRITER: Toma Enache
PRODUCER: Toma Enache
LOGLINE: George Enescu, a renowned composer, falls in love with a princess, but their passion is complicated by her marriage and his commitment to creating a masterpiece. Will they find a way to be together, and will he ever finish his opera?
FILM: Enescu, Skinned Alive
YEAR: 2024
COUNTRY: Romania
CATEGORY: Feature Narrative Film
RUNNING TIME: 02:00:00
DIRECTOR: Toma Enache
WRITER: Toma Enache
PRODUCER: Toma Enache
LOGLINE: George Enescu, a renowned composer, falls in love with a princess, but their passion is complicated by her marriage and his commitment to creating a masterpiece. Will they find a way to be together, and will he ever finish his opera?
FILM: I See You, I Love You, I Feed You
YEAR: 2024
COUNTRY: United States
CATEGORY: Short Film
RUNNING TIME: 00:23:21
DIRECTOR: Uma Sanasaryan
PRODUCER: Soup Commie
LOGLINE: Seven ancestral soups from a Soviet childhood are revived, their flavors and memories transforming into healing spells. As the past and present intertwine, it becomes safe to be seen, loved, and fed.
FILM: No Light / No Darkness
COUNTRY: United States
CATEGORY: Short Film
RUNNING TIME: 00:14:03
DIRECTOR: Margos Margossian
WRITER: Margos Margossian
PRODUCER: Wesley Barker
LOGLINE: In post-Soviet Armenia, a female informant faces a moral dilemma: betray her ethnic identity by leaking classified information about the country’s plans to reopen a nuclear power plant, or remain silent and risk the consequences.
FILM: Somewhere In Glendale
YEAR: 2023
COUNTRY: United States
CATEGORY: Short Film
RUNNING TIME: 00:11:11
DIRECTOR: Sureya Melkonian
WRITER: Narineh Melkonian, Sureya Melkonian
LOGLINE: A comedic short film inspired by Jim Jarmusch’s “Coffee and Cigarettes” follows two Armenian women navigating the LA landscape. Each believes the other holds the key to their happiness, but they struggle to connect.
FILM: Say My Name
YEAR: 2023
COUNTRY: United States
CATEGORY: Short Documentary
RUNNING TIME: 00:21:03
DIRECTOR: Mariam Meliksetyan
WRITER: Mariam Meliksetyan
PRODUCER: Mariam Meliksetyan
LOGLINE: People from diverse ethnic backgrounds share their experiences with names that challenge others to pronounce them. The film explores themes of identity, otherness, assimilation, community, and ancestral roots.
FILM: Lumen Naturae
YEAR: 2024
COUNTRY: Armenia
CATEGORY: Short Film
RUNNING TIME: 00:20:00
DIRECTOR: Arthur Sukiasyan
WRITER: Artavazd Yeghiazaryan, Arthur Sukiasyan
PRODUCER: Mkrtich Baroyan, Arthur Sukiasyan
LOGLINE: In the aftermath of their son’s death in the 2020 Nagorno Karabakh war, Rose and Aksel grapple with grief and hope. While they seek to honor their son with a new child, their teenage daughter Ani resists, reflecting the complexities of mourning.
FILM: Brownies
YEAR: 2023
COUNTRY: United States
CATEGORY: Short Film
RUNNING TIME: 00:13:00
DIRECTOR: Aisha Ford
WRITER: Aisha Ford
PRODUCER: Preston Lee, Carole Murphy
LOGLINE: In 1983, a group of Black Girl Scouts at camp seek revenge on a privileged white troop who hurled racial slurs at them. However, their plan backfires, leading to a shocking revelation.
FILM: Moon
YEAR: 2022
COUNTRY: United States
CATEGORY: Short Film
RUNNING TIME: 00:10:20
DIRECTOR: Toy Lei
WRITER: Toy Lei
PRODUCER: Toy Lei, Venita Ozols-Graham, Elle Schneider, Allison Vanore
LOGLINE: A woman awakens on the moon, plagued by guilt and uncertainty about her past and future.
FILM: The Burden
YEAR: 2023
COUNTRY: United States
CATEGORY: Short Film
RUNNING TIME: 00:14:51
DIRECTOR: Tish Arana
WRITER: Tish Arana
PRODUCER: Brandi Nicole
LOGLINE: In 2044, a Black-led space colony called New World Sankofa offers refuge to people of color fleeing a racist Earth. A non-Black applicant, Shawn Lee, faces a tribunal hearing to determine his citizenship. His cultural appropriation and lack of genuine appreciation for Black culture ultimately disqualify him.
FILM: The Game
YEAR: 2024
COUNTRY: United States
CATEGORY: Short Film
RUNNING TIME: 00:29:00
DIRECTOR: Leonardo Foti
WRITER: Leonardo Foti
PRODUCER: Marco Gomez
LOGLINE: The Game is a thrilling drama about a mysterious priest who hosts a deadly game with a $1 million prize. Participants must confront their inner demons and risk their lives to win, exploring themes of greed, inspiration, and the meaning of existence.
FILM: The Composer
YEAR: 2023
COUNTRY: United States
CATEGORY: Short Film
RUNNING TIME: 00:11:59
DIRECTOR: Gigi Grigorian
WRITER: Gigi Grigorian
PRODUCER: Gigi Grigorian, Haley Johnson
LOGLINE: John’s worsening dementia blurs the line between reality and imagination, making it hard to hold onto his few remaining memories. His obsession with one memory changes his self-perception and sparks a new beginning.
FILM: Rise of the Fallen Angel
YEAR: 2023
COUNTRY: United States
CATEGORY: Short Film
RUNNING TIME: 00:15:18
DIRECTOR: Robert Stronger
WRITER: Robert Stronger
PRODUCER: Lily Marroquin
LOGLINE: A revived cyborg girl with amnesia must navigate a post-apocalyptic world, fighting for her survival and uncovering her past while battling a cyborg gang.
FILM: The Last Take
YEAR: 2023
COUNTRY: United States
CATEGORY: Short Film
RUNNING TIME: 00:14:17
DIRECTOR: Brian Foyster
WRITER: Brian Foyster
PRODUCER: Michael Mccartney, Pam Foyster, Melissa Sullivan, Yvette Brooks, Atman, Matthew Degannon, Robert Clohessy, Robert John Burke, Russel Platoff
LOGLINE: A dying movie star from Hollywood’s golden age confronts his past and seeks closure with the one man he ever loved.
FILM: A Little Hope for Chicago
YEAR: 2023
COUNTRY: United States
CATEGORY: Feature-Length Documentary
RUNNING TIME: 01:14:00
DIRECTOR: Leon Lozano
WRITER: Leon Lozano, Kevin Nichols
PRODUCER: Garrett E.B. Thompson, Leon Lozano, Kevin Nichols
LOGLINE: “A Little Hope for Chicago” is a hybrid film that follows a Chicago hustler’s journey, exploring the systemic factors contributing to urban violence and trauma while offering a glimmer of hope for change.
Join us on the red carpet at the Arpa International Film Festival for unforgettable photo ops and a celebration of cinema! Mingle with filmmakers, creatives, and storytellers while soaking in the energy of the event. Take your moment in front of the step and repeat and connect with our vibrant community.
Experience a night of networking and celebration at our exclusive reception. Meet with industry professionals, filmmakers, and fellow enthusiasts as you mingle and discuss the latest in the world of cinema. Enjoy light refreshments and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the festival. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and make lasting memories.
FILM: Die Like a Man
YEAR: 2024
CATEGORY: Feature Narrative Film
DIRECTOR: Eric Nazarian
WRITER: Eric Nazarian
LOGLINE: On his 16th birthday, Freddy is given a Magnum .44, a few bullets and orders to take out his mentor’s rival, a rehabilitated gangster. Will he succeed or “die like a man” with a gun in his hand?
FILM: Wages of Sin
YEAR: 2024
COUNTRY: United States
CATEGORY: Feature Narrative Film
RUNNING TIME: 01:30:00
DIRECTOR: Victor Rios
WRITER: S. Cyrus Sepher
PRODUCER: S. Cyrus Sepher, Nazo Bravo
LOGLINE: Thomas Blackwell is plunged into L.A.’s brutal underworld. Hunted by a lethal fentanyl organization and betrayed by corrupt forces profiting from its deadly spread, he must clear his name to save his life and family.
Join us for the Women in Filmmaking panel, a powerful conversation highlighting the unique challenges and opportunities women face in the film industry. Hear from accomplished female filmmakers as they share their personal journeys, from breaking into the business to overcoming obstacles and achieving success in a male-dominated field. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to advance your career, this panel offers invaluable insights on navigating the industry, building connections, and finding your voice as a filmmaker. Discover how women are shaping the future of cinema, and leave inspired to pursue your own creative path.
FILM: Falling for You
COUNTRY: Italy
CATEGORY: Short Film
RUNNING TIME: 00:08:13
DIRECTOR: Alessandro Fiorucci
WRITER: J.J. Duffy
PRODUCER: Jacopo Dotti, Bertilla Polverini, Darwin Reina
LOGLINE: A homeless couple in Los Angeles grapples with the harsh realities of their situation, questioning the value of their love and their place in a broken system.
FILM: Runner
YEAR: 2023
COUNTRY: Ireland
CATEGORY: Short Documentary
RUNNING TIME: 00:21:27
DIRECTOR: Jenn E Murray
WRITER: Jenn E Murray
PRODUCER: Jenn E Murray, Saro Varjabedian
LOGLINE: A pregnant woman seeks solace and advice from the ghost of her whiskey-drinking, cigarette-smoking grandfather as she prepares for motherhood.
FILM: Dreamful
YEAR: 2024
COUNTRY: Armenia
CATEGORY: Short Documentary
RUNNING TIME: 00:14:19
DIRECTOR: Sarko Meene, Vahan Khachiyan
WRITER: Sarko Meene
PRODUCER: Sarko Meené
LOGLINE: Dreamful follows Farhad, an 80-year-old art collector, as he embarks on a grand project to create an art island in Greece. Through raw and honest reflections on life, death, and the pursuit of dreams, the film captures Farhad’s enthusiasm and determination to make his vision a reality.
FILM: The Menagerie
YEAR: 2024
COUNTRY: United States
CATEGORY: Short Film
RUNNING TIME: 00:20:00
DIRECTOR: Logan Dunn
WRITER: Logan Dunn
PRODUCER: Logan Dunn, Emily Baeza, Austin Anderson
LOGLINE: A renowned spirit medium investigates a mysterious mural in a grand hotel, haunted by a spirit that’s interfering with its restoration.
FILM: Scarlet
YEAR: 2024
COUNTRY: Bulgaria
CATEGORY: Short Film
RUNNING TIME: 00:24:41
DIRECTOR: Maria Bobeva
WRITER: Maria Bobeva
PRODUCER: Petro Dushkov, Stanislava Ivy
LOGLINE: A social worker delves into the dark world of a 9-year-old girl, uncovering abuse and neglect within her troubled household. As she forms a bond with the child, she must decide whether she can save her from the dangerous environment she calls home.
FILM: Red Rose Aroma
YEAR: 2023
COUNTRY: Albania
CATEGORY: Short Film
RUNNING TIME: 00:15:00
DIRECTOR: Aurel Naqi
WRITER: Aurel Naqi
PRODUCER: Aurel Naqi
LOGLINE: Era’s adventure in the Albanian Riviera leads to a passionate romance with Fiori, a local florist. Their bond deepens as they explore the island, but an unexpected twist occurs when Fiori surprises Era with a visit months later.
FILM: Runaway, Star!
YEAR: 2024
COUNTRY: China
CATEGORY: Animated Film
RUNNING TIME: 00:04:07
DIRECTOR: Caiwei Zhou
WRITER: Caiwei Zhou
PRODUCER: Caiwei Zhou
LOGLINE: A star falls into a little boy’s room, and he is going to send it back to the sky with his sister.
FILM: In Between City
YEAR: 2023
COUNTRY: Czech Republic
CATEGORY: Animated Film
RUNNING TIME: 00:08:50
DIRECTOR: Ilya Kreines
WRITER: Ilya Ilya
LOGLINE: “In Between City” is a poetic exploration of a Central European city, blending reality and fiction through fragmented images and stories. The film focuses on the city’s vanished Communist and Jewish worlds while also showcasing a unique artistic technique: animation created entirely from stamps carved from erasers.
FILM: A Dash of Hope
YEAR: 2024
COUNTRY: United States
CATEGORY: Animated Film
RUNNING TIME: 00:03:18
DIRECTOR: Oliver Mitsuo Gill
WRITER: Oliver Mitsuo Gill
PRODUCER: Oliver Mitsuo Gill
LOGLINE: A carefree puppy befriends a fearful raccoon, determined to help him overcome his anxieties and embrace life’s adventures.
FILM: The Song of Flying Leaves
YEAR: 2023
COUNTRY: Armenia
CATEGORY: Animated Film
RUNNING TIME: 00:12:37
DIRECTOR: Armine Anda
WRITER: Armine Anda, Roman Balayan
PRODUCER: Armine Anda
LOGLINE: A twelve-year-old girl’s encounter with a mysterious old man sparks a journey of self-discovery and friendship. Inspired by ancient Armenian symbols, the film explores the power of imagination and the transformative potential of human connection.
FILM: Let’s Rock
YEAR: 2024
COUNTRY: United States
CATEGORY: Music Video
RUNNING TIME: 00:04:06
DIRECTOR: Malcolm J Solomon
WRITER: Malcolm J Solomon
PRODUCER: Malcolm J Solomon
LOGLINE: People enjoying life.
FILM: Wonderwell
YEAR: 2024
COUNTRY: United States
CATEGORY: Music Video
RUNNING TIME: 00:03:35
DIRECTOR: Andrea Vonjako Giacomini
WRITER: Andrea Vonjako Giacomini
PRODUCER: Andrea Vonjako Giacomini
LOGLINE: Sam is trying to connect with his significant other, but no matter what he does, his efforts seem unappreciated. In the end, he realizes that the relationship may not be real, and it might all be in his imagination, a product of his wishful thinking.
FILM: Like a Baby
YEAR: 2023
COUNTRY: United States
CATEGORY: Music Video
RUNNING TIME: 00:04:02
DIRECTOR: Andrea Vonjako Giacomini
WRITER: Andrea Vonjako Giacomini
PRODUCER: Alexander Karavay, Andrea Vonjako Giacomini
LOGLINE: A man’s journey to uncover his primal nature, redeeming himself from his predatory instincts of exploiting others.
FILM: Anguish as a Second Language
YEAR: 2024
COUNTRY: United States
CATEGORY: Music Video
RUNNING TIME: 00:03:51
DIRECTOR: Denise Gentilini
WRITER: Denise Gentilini
PRODUCER: Denise Gentilini
LOGLINE: “Echoes of the Past” is a song that explores the inherited trauma and pain experienced by Armenian genocide descendants, recognizing the enduring impact of this historical tragedy on their lives.
FILM: They Don’t Make ‘Em Like Willie Anymore
YEAR: 2023
COUNTRY: United States
CATEGORY: Music Video
RUNNING TIME: 00:03:20
DIRECTOR: Blacksmith Rose (Collective), K Foster, Karen Foster
WRITER: Blacksmith Rose, K And Karen Foster
PRODUCER: K&K Productions, Llc
LOGLINE: A heartfelt tribute to Willie Nelson, celebrating his iconic music and its enduring impact on people’s lives.
FILM: Jewel of the Desert
COUNTRY: United States
CATEGORY: Feature-Length Documentary
RUNNING TIME: 00:56:46
DIRECTOR: Mary Apick
WRITER: Mary Apick
PRODUCER: Mary Apick, Bob Yari
LOGLINE: “Surprise” follows a retirement community brass band, made up of musicians in their 70s, 80s, and 90s, who refuse to let age dim their passion for music. Their inspiring story encourages people of all ages to follow their dreams and embrace the power of music.
FILM: The Unexpecteds
YEAR: 2023
COUNTRY: United States
CATEGORY: Feature Narrative Film
RUNNING TIME: 01:29:30
DIRECTOR: Alejandro Montoya Marin
WRITER: Alejandro Montoya Marin
PRODUCER: Alejandro De Hoyos
LOGLINE: A group of friends seeks revenge against a social media influencer who swindled them out of their life savings.
FILM: Missak & Mélinée Manouchian
YEAR: 2024
COUNTRY: France
CATEGORY: Feature-Length Documentary
RUNNING TIME: 00:52:38
DIRECTOR: Katia Guiragossi
PRODUCER: Cyrille Perez, Gilles Perez
LOGLINE: A great-niece retraces the footsteps of her remarkable Armenian ancestors, Missak and Mélinée Manouchian, two survivors of the Armenian Genocide who became prominent figures in the French Resistance.
Join us on the red carpet at the Arpa International Film Festival for unforgettable photo ops and a celebration of cinema! Mingle with filmmakers, creatives, and storytellers while soaking in the energy of the event. Take your moment in front of the step and repeat and connect with our vibrant community.
Experience a night of networking and celebration at our exclusive reception. Meet with industry professionals, filmmakers, and fellow enthusiasts as you mingle and discuss the latest in the world of cinema. Enjoy light refreshments and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the festival. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and make lasting memories.
FILM: Cannonbal
YEAR: 2024
COUNTRY: Italy
CATEGORY: Music Video
RUNNING TIME: 00:03:47
DIRECTOR: Andrea Vonjako Giacpomini
WRITER: Andrea Vonjako Giacomini, Tommaso Gimignani
PRODUCER: Tommaso Gimignani, Andrea Vonjako Giacomini
Join us in the celebration of the incredible talent and creativity showcased in this year’s films. Each story, each performance, and each piece of art has contributed to a tapestry of diverse voices and perspectives that enrich our understanding of the world.
As we honor the outstanding achievements of our filmmakers, actors, and crew, we also look forward to the continued success and innovation in the years to come.
$ = Ticket or pass is required.
$$ = Pass is required.