HOLLYWOOD — The 22nd Arpa International Film Festival will take place this year on November 8-10 at a new location after 14 years at the Egyptian Theater in Hollywood. Due to the purchase of the Egyptian by Netflix, the theater is being renovated and therefore the festival will move to the American Legion Post 43 on Highland, located next to the Hollywood Bowl.
The Legion Post 43 Theater is the only historic theater in Hollywood owned and operated by veterans, and has undergone a major transformation into a state-of-the-art cinema and event venue. Its halls were once graced by Hollywood legends such as Humphrey Bogart, Charlton Heston, Clark Gable, Ronald Reagan and Shirley Temple.
To ensure that the oldest international independent film festival in Los Angeles will not suffer any difficulties, the executive committee has been working diligently to make sure that the Festival will keep its prestige.
Once again, the festival will screen the best shorts , features, documentaries , music videos, and animated films at our new location. With a cutting-edge new projection and sound system, The Legion Theater recently screened Quentin Tarentino’s newest film, “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood,” starring Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio. The historic building dates back to 1929 with an original Egyptian revival architecture style building, an incredible underground Art Deco bar, ample parking and amazing drinks and food.
Many films are being viewed and selected before the final selections are announced. One film that has already made the cut is “Sand and Fire” from Morocco’s top director Souheil Ben Barka, which will have its world premiere on the opening night of the festival. The film is an epic story that takes place in the 17th century between Spain and Morocco, and has a renowned international cast. In a twist of fate, the filmmaker’s grandmother was of Armenian heritage and viewers will hear Dle Yaman throughout the film. The filmmaker is a frequent visitor to Armenia.
The festival will take place November 8 through 10.
