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23rd Annual Arpa International Film Festival (Arpa IFF)
November 12-22, 2020
Los Angeles, CA
Arpa International Film Festival is dedicated to cultivating cultural understanding and global empathy by creating a dynamic forum for international cinema. Over the past 23 years, the festival has bridged cultural divides by fostering dialogue among people of diverse backgrounds. Join us virtually for yet another journey into the diverse universe of independent cinema with an inspiring line-up of 69 films from 20 different countries worldwide.
presented by
ARPA IFF PRE-SHOW
We would like to thank all of 2020 Sponsors for helping us make the 23rd Annual Arpa International Film Festival powered by Seed&Spark possible. Your generous support continues to embrace gifted filmmakers who are trying to make a difference. Thank you!
ALEKSI
LOS ANGELES PREMIERE / NOMINATED FOR THE BEST SCREENPLAY, BEST DIRECTOR & BEST FEATURE FILM AWARD
Living under her parent’s roof and control, Aleksi ignores the pressing responsibilities of adulthood by indulging her impulses with the various men in her life.
Director & Writer: Barbara Vekarić / Producers: Marina Andree Skop, Darija Kulenović Gudan, Barbara Vekarić, Snezana Penev, Gordan Kicić / Cast: Tihana Lazović, Goran Marković, Sebastian Cavazza, Jason Mann, Leon Lucev, Neda Arnerić, Aljoša Vučković"
AN ARMENIAN TRILOGY
NOMINATED FOR THE BEST DOCUMENTARY FILM AWARD
A gorgeous blend of personal history and anecdotes mirroring the historical facts and images along with Dan Yessian's beautiful music. How do you go home to a place you’ve never been?
Director: Dan Yessian / Producer: Ohad Wilner
BACK UP!
USA PREMIERE
Today, death of a project youth following a police control…25 years ago, disappearance of an activist…The journalists from “BACK UP!”, an alternative media, are investigating… Their opponent? The State determined to keep control over the Republic’s forgotten territories.
Director: Christophe Gros-Dubois / Writers: Franck Gros-Dubois, Christophe Gros-Dubois / Producer: Constant Gros-Dubois / Cast: Astrid Bayiha, Kamal Moummad, Kader Lassina Touré, Sylvain Charbonneau, Dominique Lollia, Pierre Rousselet, Ricky Tribord
BLOODLESS: -THE PATH TO DEMOCRACY
NOMINATED FOR THE BEST DOCUMENTARY FILM AWARD
A former journalist and ex-political prisoner, leads a revolution in Armenia with the support of youth, women and social media, and remarkably, without bloodshed, overthrows the corrupt oligarchic government and restores democracy.
Directors & Writers: Bared Maronian & Silva Basmajian / Producers: Bared Maronian, Silva Basmajian, Seda Grigoryan / Cast: Nikol Pashinyan, Armen Sarkissian , Shombi Sharp, Arsinee Khanjian, Maria Titizian , Mikael Zolyan, Anna Ohanyan
BORN JUST NOW
LOS ANGELES PREMIERE / NOMINATED FOR THE BEST DOCUMENTARY FILM AWARD
A provocative artist seeks to liberate her own pain in the name of Art.
Director & Writer: Robert Adanto / Producer: Anthony E. Zuiker / Cast: Marta Jovanović, Ivana Ranisavljević, Kathy Battista, Anja Foerschner, Milica Pekić, Jovo Bakić, Vladislav Scepanović, Jean-Daniel Ruch, and Sara Kostić
LONE WOLVES
LONE WOLVES is about corruption in high places, set in a prison drama and with a film noir aesthetic.
Director, Writer & Producer: Sergi Arnau / Cast: Joel Minguet, Pau Barredo, Joan Massotkleiner, Martí Peraferrer, José María Blanco, Hermann Bonnín
Please Note: This film is available to view only in the US.
MIN ALESH?
WORLD PREMIERE
Life of poverty, beauty and race.
Director & Writer: Amleset Muchie / Producer: Selamawit Mare / Cast: Amleset Muchie, Henok Wondimu, Alebachew Mekonnen, Dirbwork Seyifu
MIRACLE IN THE DESERT - THE RISE AND FALL OF THE SALTON SEA
If the state of California does not act quickly, the Salton Sea will be the worst environmental disaster of a generation.
Director & Producer: Greg Bassenian
OMAR AND US
NOMINATED FOR THE BEST SCREENPLAY, BEST DIRECTOR & BEST FEATURE FILM AWARD
Ismet is a recently retired Turkish soldier who suddenly becomes neighbors with two refugees, Omar and Mariye. Through this firsthand experience of what refugees have to go through, he is finally able to face his own prejudices.
Directors: Maryna Er Gorbach & Mehmet Bahadir Er / Writer: & Producer: Mehmet Bahadir Er / Cast: Hala Alsayasneh, Cem Bender, Emrah Dogan
ONCE UPON A JUDGMENT DAY
USA PREMIERE
Arife makes a living by telling stories to people at weddings, and her husband entertains people with dance. Witnessing the death of her husband in a cave, she gets stuck inside with 3 bandits who listen to her stories until the sunrise.
Director, Writer & Producer: Mehmet Tanrisever / Cast: Soydan Soydaş, Tarik Tanrisever, Süleyman Kabaali, Asuman Dabak, Yaşar Alpteki̇n, Mehmet Tanrisever, Mürşi̇t Ağa Bağ, Seda Keskol, Ümi̇t Acar
QUO VADIS 2020
WEST COAST PREMIERE / NOMINATED FOR THE BEST DOCUMENTARY FILM AWARD
A post millennial journey to Italy before the Coronavirus outbreak.
Director & Writer: Gabriele Fabbro / Producers: Jessica Ghitis, Gabriele Fabbro, Kelvin Shum / Cast: Ydalie Turk, Melanie Wick, Jimmy Chen, Olivia Matterson, Jessica Ghitis, Marcello Mariani, Jolanda Pozzi, Jean Guillou, Paolo Sanvito, Carlo Ignazio Misasi, Corinne Montaperto, Alberto Cariello
RESPITE
WORLD PREMIERE
A down-and-out private-eye is hired by the parents of a missing college aged boy to find their son, when he stumbles upon a series of murders and now believes he is on the hunt for a serial killer targeting muslim men.
Director: Saro Varjabedian / Writers: Ali Abouomar & Saro Varjabedian/ Producer: Monte Bezell / Cast: Monte Bezell, Julián Juaquín, Ahmet Devran Dayanc, Haythem Noor, Leslie Kalarchian, Baylen Thomas
SCENT OF MY DAUGHTER
Three individuals from three different cultures, who all share a tragic event in their lives, find themselves on an unexpected road trip in search of a missing relative in a Turkish refugee camp only to realize they are on a profoundly poignant search for themselves.
Director & Writer: Olgun Özdemir / Producers: Ron L.Carr, Marc Brunet & Olgun Özdemir / Cast: Clemence Verniau, Çağlar Ertuğrul, Yılşen Özdemir, Şerif Sezer, Tolga Güleç
UNTIMELY
NOMINATED FOR THE BEST SCREENPLAY, BEST DIRECTOR & BEST FEATURE FILM AWARD
A young private doing his military service on a watchtower on the border of Iran and Pakistan.
Director & Writer: Pouya Eshtehardi / Producer: Mohammad Sajadian / Cast: Iman Afshar, Shayan Afshar, Awa Azarpira, Mahsa Naroui, Ayoub Afshar
WHAT WILL BECOME OF US
NOMINATED FOR THE BEST DOCUMENTARY FILM AWARD
100 years ago, Armenians were nearly annihilated by genocide. Unrecognized, it remains
defining, but also stifling. To survive today, Armenian Americans must make a choice.
Directors: Stephanie Ayanian, Joseph Myers / Writers: Mary McDermott, Greg Feinberg / Cast: Jon Simonian (Former Investment Banker), Sebu Simonian (Singer, Songwriter, Capital Cities), Michael Aram Wolohojian (Designer, Artist), John and Annie Sweers (Volunteers in Armenia), Aram Hamparian (Executive Director, Armenian National Committee of America), Lory Tatoulian (Comedian, Social Satirist), Karine Shamlian (Granddaughter of Living Genocide Survivor, Asdghig Alemian), Richard Hagopian & Andrew Hagopian (Oud Master & His Grandson), and more.
View the pre-recorded Q&A here.
SHORT FILMS PROGRAMME # 1
Short Animation: THE ABANDONED BLOCK
Short Doc: JO & KESSY - ARTISTS WITH DISABILITIES
Short Doc: THE SPORT OF INCHES
Short Doc: CONFESSIONS OF A RUNNER
Short Film: DANDELION
Short Film: LIFELESS
Short Film: ODD DRAWS
Short Music Doc: IN THE SAME DIRECTION - JEFF PIFHER & SOCRATES' TRIAL
Short Experimental Animation: UNFRAMED
SHORT FILMS PROGRAMME # 2
Music Video: MANU HVALA - ONLY LOVE
Short Doc: FROM KURILS WITH LOVE
Short Animation: HARVEST
Short Film: BABU
Music Video: NAMEWEE - GETAWAY TO KAOHSIUNG
Short Film: SKITOZ
Short Animation: THE WINTER
Short Film: ANEMONE
Short Animation: 10000 UGLY INKBLOTS
Short Film: THIS LAND
SHORT FILMS PROGRAMME # 3
Music Video: CATALYST BARS & ALEXI - SMASH AGAIN
Short Animation: MALAKOUT
Short Film: SERVED (NIÁW)
Short Film: EMME
Short Film: HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Short Film: BLACK HEART, RED HANDS
Short Film: DARK SENSES
Short Film: THAT STUPID ARMENIAN'S MOTION PICTURE SHOW OR GAREN
Short Film: GIFTED
Short Film: LOOSE THREAD
SHORT FILMS PROGRAMME # 4
Music Video: HAMO ARZOUMANIAN - MANOUG ME (A CHILD)
Short Film: RETURN (VEGER)
Short Film: I'LL BE SEEING YOU
Short Film: FURTHEST FROM
Short Film: CARNE
Short Film: MORA & CHENCHI
Short Film: PARADISE PROGRAM
Short Animation: GON THE LITTLE FOX
SHORT FILMS PROGRAMME # 5
Music Video: ANDRAS SCHIFF - COVID BACH
Short Animation: ECHO
Short Film: DABUR
Short Film: TWENTY EIGHTY
Short Film: WEEKEND
Short Film: FENCED
Short Film: THE FAVOR
Short Film: 38 MINUTES
SHORT FILMS PROGRAMME # 6
Short Animation: THE ROTATION
Short Doc: FINISH LINE
Short Doc: LIGHT IN THE MIST
Short Film: THE CRITIC
Short Film: ALINA
Short Film: THE ABJURANTS
Short Film: THE BLUE BED
Short Film: HEARTBEAT
Short Film: THROWAWAY BOY
SHORT FILMS PROGRAMME # 7 BEST OF ANIMATION
Short Animation: 10000 UGLY INKBLOTS
Short Animation: ECHO
Short Animation: HARVEST
Short Animation: MALAKOUT
Short Animation: THE ABANDONED BLOCK
Short Animation: THE ROTATION
Short Animation: THE WINTER
Short Animation: UNFRAMED
Short Animation: GON THE LITTLE FOX
SHORT FILMS PROGRAMME # 8 BEST OF SHORT-DOCS
Short Doc: THE SPORT OF INCHES
Short Doc: CONFESSIONS OF A RUNNER
Short Doc: FINISH LINE
Short Doc: FROM KURILS WITH LOVE
Short Doc: LIGHT IN THE MIST
Short Doc: JO & KESSY ARTISTS WITH DISABILITIES
Short Doc: IN THE SAME DIRECTION JEFF PIFHER & SOCRATES' TRIAL
SHORT FILMS PROGRAMME # 9 BEST SHORT FILM AWARD NOMINEES
Short Film: ALINA
Short Film: BABU
Short Film: BLACK HEART, RED HANDS
Short Film: FURTHEST FROM
Short Film: RETURN (VEGER)
Short Film: THE CRITIC
Short Film: THIS LAND
SHORT FILMS PROGRAMME # 10 UC IRVINE ZOTFEST SELECTION
UCI Short Student Film: ODD DRAWS
UCI Short Student Film: CARNE
UCI Short Student Doc: THE SPORT OF INCHES
UCI Short Student Film: LOOSE THREAD
UCI Short Student Film: I'LL BE SEEING YOU
UCI Short Student Doc: LIGHT IN THE MIST
FESTIVAL WINNERS & HIGHLIGHTS 2020 AWARDS CEREMONY
11:59am - 12:29pm
This pre-recorded event is available for the duration of the festival.
Welcome to the 23rd Annual Arpa International Film Festival 2020 Awards Show!
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the filmmakers for sharing their visions with the world, and congratulations to all the Winners!
And a Special Thank You to all of you who joined us this year.
Festival Panel - WOMEN IN FILMMAKING
12:00pm - 12:30pm
This pre-recorded event is available for the duration of the festival.
Festival Panel: WOMEN IN FILMMAKING
Moderator: Natalie Qasabian - Producer, Arpa IFF 2018 Rising Star Award Recipient
with
Michelle Alexandria - Distributor, Glass House Distribution since 2015
Micky Levy - Screenwriter, Director
Kelli McNeil - Writer, Actress, Voiceover Artist and Producer
Festival Q&A - Animation GON, THE LITTLE FOX (Japan)
12:01pm - 12:31pm
This pre-recorded event is available for the duration of the festival.
Festival Q&A with the Best Animated Film Award Nominee GON, THE LITTLE FOX
Filmmaker: Takeshi Yashiro (Film Director, Stop-Motion Animatior)
Moderator & Interview Video Production: Mie Machii (Filmmaker)
Festival Q&A - Feature film ALEKSI (Croatia & Serbia)
12:02pm - 12:32pm
This pre-recorded event is available for the duration of the festival.
Festival Q&A with the Best Screenplay, Director & Feature Film Award Nominee ALEKSI (Croatia & Serbia)
Filmmaker: Barbara Vekarić (Film Director)
Moderator: Maral Kazazian (Festival Director)
Festival Q&A - Short film ALINA (USA)
12:03pm - 12:33pm
This pre-recorded event is available for the duration of the festival.
Festival Q&A with the Best Short Film Award Nominee ALINA (USA)
Filmmakers: Rami Kodeih (Film Director) and Nora Mariana (Writer, Producer)
Moderator: Nicholas Talarico (Festival Programmer)
Festival Q&A - Documentary film AN ARMENIAN TRILOGY (USA)
12:04pm - 12:34pm
This pre-recorded event is available for the duration of the festival.
Festival Q&A with the Best Documentary Film Award Nominee AN ARMENIAN TRILOGY (USA)
Filmmakers: Dan Yessian (Film Director) and Ohad Wilner (Film Producer)
Moderator: Maral Kazazian (Festival Director)
Festival Q&A - Short Documentary CONFESSIONS OF A RUNNER (Lebanon)
12:05pm - 12:35pm
This pre-recorded event is available for the duration of the festival.
Festival Q&A with the Best Short Documentary Film Award Nominee CONFESSIONS OF A RUNNER (Lebanon)
Filmmakers: Bachar Khattar (Film Director) and Patrick Vaughan (Producer)
Moderator: Silva Karageozian (Festival Programmer)
Festival Q&A - Animation 10000 UGLY INKBLOTS (China)
12:06pm - 12:36pm
This pre-recorded event is available for the duration of the festival.
Festival Q&A with the Best Animated Film Award Nominee 10000 UGLY INKBLOTS
Filmmaker: Luo Jianglin (General Producer, Vice President of JAI)
Moderator: Hrag Meguerditchian (Festival Programmer)
Festival Q&A - Feature film UNTIMELY (Iran)
12:07pm - 12:37pm
This pre-recorded event is available for the duration of the festival.
Festival Q&A with the Best Screenplay, Director & Feature Film Award Nominee UNTIMELY (Iran)
Filmmaker: Pouya Eshtehardi (Film Director) and Reza Hemasi (Cinematographer)
Moderator: Maral Kazazian (Festival Director)
Festival Q&A - Short film BABU (Nepal)
12:08pm - 12:38pm
This pre-recorded event is available for the duration of the festival.
Festival Q&A with the Best Short Film Award Nominee BABU (Nepal)
Filmmaker: Eelum Dixit (Film Director)
Moderator: Nicholas Talarico (Festival Programmer)
Festival Q&A - Documentary film BORN JUST NOW (USA)
12:09pm - 12:49pm
This pre-recorded event is available for the duration of the festival.
Festival Q&A with the Best Documentary Film Award Nominee BORN JUST NOW (USA)
Filmmaker: Robert Adanto (Film Director)
Moderator: Maral Kazazian (Festival Director)
Festival Q&A - Short film THE CRITIC (USA)
12:10pm - 12:40pm
This pre-recorded event is available for the duration of the festival.
Festival Q&A with the Best Short Film Award Nominee THE CRITIC (USA)
Filmmakers: Stella Velon (Film Director) and Alan Smyth (Lead Actor)
Moderator: Nicholas Talarico (Festival Programmer)
Festival Q&A - Short Documentary FINISH LINE (Iran)
12:11pm - 12:41pm
This pre-recorded event is available for the duration of the festival.
Festival Q&A with the Best Short Documentary Film Award Nominee FINISH LINE (Iran)
Filmmaker: Saeed Mayahy (Film Director)
Moderator: Silva Karageozian (Festival Programmer)
Festival Q&A - Animation THE ABANDONED BLOCK (Canada)
12:12pm - 12:42pm
This pre-recorded event is available for the duration of the festival.
Festival Q&A with the Best Animated Film Award Nominee THE ABANDONED BLOCK (Canada)
Filmmaker: James Bourne (Film Director)
Moderator: Maral Kazazian (Festival Director)
Festival Q&A - Documentary film QUO VADIS 2020 (USA)
12:13pm - 12:43pm
This pre-recorded event is available for the duration of the festival.
Festival Q&A with the Best Documentary Film Award Nominee QUO VADIS 2020 (USA)
Filmmakers: Gabriele Fabbro (Film Director), Ydalie Turk (Actress), Melanie Wick (Director of Photography), Sean Goldman (Composer)
Moderator: Maral Kazazian (Festival Director)
Festival Q&A - Short film FURTHEST FROM (USA)
12:14pm - 12:44pm
This pre-recorded event is available for the duration of the festival.
Festival Q&A with the Best Short Film Award Nominee FURTHEST FROM (USA)
Filmmaker: Kyung Sok Kim (Film Director)
Moderator: Nicholas Talarico (Festival Programmer)
Festival Q&A - Short Documentary FROM KURILS WITH LOVE (USA)
12:15pm - 12:45pm
This pre-recorded event is available for the duration of the festival.
Festival Q&A with the Best Short Documentary Film Award Nominee FROM KURILS WITH LOVE (USA)
Filmmakers: Taylor Rees (Film Director), Renan Ozturk (Cinematographer) and Povel Torudd (Producer)
Moderator: Silva Karageozian (Festival Programmer)
Festival Q&A - Animation THE WINTER (Australia)
12:16pm - 12:46pm
This pre-recorded event is available for the duration of the festival.
Festival Q&A with the Best Animated Film Award Nominee THE WINTER (Australia)
Filmmaker: Xin Li (Film Director)
Moderator: Hrag Meguerditchian (Festival Programmer)
Festival Q&A - Documentary film WHAT WILL BECOME OF US (USA)
12:17pm - 12:47pm
This pre-recorded event is available for the duration of the festival.
Festival Q&A with the Best Documentary Film Award Nominee WHAT WILL BECOME OF US (USA)
Filmmaker: Stephanie Ayanian (Film Director & Producer)
Moderator: Maral Kazazian (Festival Director)
Festival Q&A - Short film THIS LAND (Armenia)
12:18pm - 12:48pm
This pre-recorded event is available for the duration of the festival.
Festival Q&A with the Best Short Film Award Nominee THIS LAND (Armenia)
Filmmaker: Michael Aloyan (Film Director)
Moderator: Nicholas Talarico (Festival Programmer)
Art of the Pitch
11:30am - 12:30pm
Thinking about making a movie or show? Great! We wanna watch it.
But first, how are you going to pitch it to the people who will help get it off the ground?
We've got answers through our Art of the Pitch workshop.
Event is Pacific Time.
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