GLENDALE — Armenian Film Society (AFS) presented the fourth annual Armenian Women in Film on Monday, March 23, at Vertigo Event Venue in Glendale, featuring Arsinée Khanjian, Christine Haroutounian, Madeline Sharafian, and Teni Melidonian, moderated by Sona Movsesian, for an inspiring conversation in celebration of International Women’s Month about their journeys, challenges, and defining moments in the film industry.
“We are excited to celebrate Armenian women’s achievements in the film industry,” said the president of AFS, Mary Karaoghlanian. The Armenian Film Society was founded in 2015 by husband-and-wife Armen and Mary Karaoghlanian. They decided to provide a platform for those filmmakers because of the lack of opportunities in the industry.
Movsesian, asked questions about the panelists’ experiences as filmmakers and storytellers, and about their work in the movie industry. One compelling question concerned their cultural identity as Armenians.
Khanjian talked about the community’s demand that Atom Egoyan make an Armenian movie. He made “Ararat” in 2002. Khanjian added, “It was a clear expectation to serve the history of the Armenian people.
Melidonian, who is the Chief Oscar Officer, said, “People don’t know about the Armenian cinema. When the movie ‘Amerikatsi’ got on the list of top 20 for the Oscars International Feature, it changed a lot of what was possible.”
Melidonian is the Chief Oscars Officer of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. She leads strategy, talent relations, special events, and production teams for all awards programs and events. In this role, she oversees the teams responsible for developing and executing the Oscars for a global audience. She serves as the Academy’s primary liaison to Disney/ABC, its broadcast distribution partner.
