The Armenian Film Society (AFS) is an American film society dedicated to Armenian cinema.
 Logo | |
| Abbreviation | AFS |
|---|---|
| Formation | 2015 |
| Type | Film society |
| Purpose | Entertainment, film movement, film screening |
| Location | |
| Leader | Armen and Mary Karaoghlanian |
| Website | armenianfilmsociety.com |
History
editThe organization launched in 2015 with a screening of Atom Egoyan's Next of Kin.[1]
In September 2019, the Armenian Film Society first announced the news that Armenian-American screenwriter Mardik Martin had passed away.[2] In February 2020, the organization criticized the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for the failure to include Martin in the In Memoriam segment during the 92nd Academy Awards.[3]
In March 2024, the organization held an Armenian Women in Film and Entertainment panel discussion, featuring concept artist Joanna Bush, business manager Anna DerParseghian, actress Alexandra Hedison, and film publicist Teni Karapetian.[4]
In celebration of Sergei Parajanov's centennial, the organization partnered with the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures to screen The Color of Pomegranates, as well as the world premiere of the restoration of Mikhail Vartanov's Parajanov: The Last Spring.[5] In an interview with Deadline Hollywood, Vartanov stated, "I'm very grateful to The Academy and UCLA for presenting this."[6]
As part of the City of Glendale's 2024 Armenian Genocide Week of Remembrance, the organization held a screening of Arman Nshanian's Songs of Solomon.[7]
The organization participated in the 2024 HollyShorts Film Festival, held at the Chinese Theatre, by presenting four short films.[8]
In June 2024, the organization collaborated with American Cinematheque to host a screening of Menace II Society at the Egyptian Theatre, including a discussion with director Allen Hughes.[9]
Armenian Film Festival
editIn 2023, the centennial of the Armenian film industry,[10] the organization launched its Armenian Film Festival, with events held at Alex Theatre, Laemmle Glendale and Hero House. The festival included a premiere of Michael A. Goorjian's Amerikatsi.[11] At the festival, co-founder Armen Karaoghlanian stated, "Hopefully [audiences] can walk away with a better understanding of who Armenians are because they might hear about the struggles we are going through, [but] I can’t think of a better way to really understand the [Armenian] people than through film."[12]
The 2024 festival, being held at LOOK Cinemas, features the American premiere of Atom Egoyan's Seven Veils.[13]
External links
edit- Armenian Film Society – official website
References
edit- ^ "George Pal's sci-fi/fantasy films among movie screenings this week in the Los Angeles area". Los Angeles Daily News. September 9, 2015. Retrieved September 4, 2024.
- ^ Lawrence Yee (September 11, 2019). "Mardik Martin, 'Mean Streets' and 'Raging Bull' Co-Writer, Dies at 84". TheWrap. Retrieved September 4, 2024.
- ^ Siranush Ghazanchyan (February 12, 2020). "Oscars slammed for leaving Armenian screenwriter Mardik Martin out of "In Memoriam" list". Public Radio of Armenia. Retrieved September 4, 2024.
- ^ "Armenian Film Society announces Armenian Women in Film and Entertainment panel". Armenian Weekly. February 20, 2024. Retrieved September 4, 2024.
- ^ Siranush Ghazanchyan (April 9, 2024). "Academy Museum of Motion Pictures to screen "The Color of Pomegranates" on Parajanov's 100th birthday". Public Radio of Armenia. Retrieved September 4, 2024.
- ^ Sunil Sadarangani (April 18, 2024). "Academy Museum Celebrates Sergei Parajanov's Centenary With Screening Of Armenian Director's 'The Color Of Pomegranates' Plus Restored Documentary About Him". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved September 4, 2024.
- ^ "Songs of Solomon". Retrieved September 4, 2024.
- ^ "Armenian Film Society and HollyShorts Partner to Screen Armenian Short Films". Asbarez. May 20, 2024. Retrieved September 4, 2024.
- ^ "Menace II Society". Retrieved September 4, 2024.
- ^ Benjamin Pola (September 28, 2023). "SCA Alum Launches Inaugural Armenian Film Festival". Retrieved September 6, 2024.
- ^ "Armenian Film Society announces program for inaugural Armenian Film Festival". Armenian Weekly. August 29, 2023. Retrieved September 4, 2024.
- ^ Tina Ter-Akopyan (September 12, 2023). "Festival celebrates Armenian filmmaking". Daily Trojan. Retrieved September 4, 2024.
- ^ "Armenian Film Festival". Retrieved September 4, 2024.
