Hollywood Today Newsmagazine
Dec 1 2012
Lost and Found in Armenia
December 1st, 2012
The 15th Annual Arpa International Film Festival
By Valerie Milano
Hollywood, CA (Hollywood Today) 12/1/2012 - `You mean like Glendale?'
Jaime Kennedy referencing his familiarity with Armenians in the new
film Lost and Found in Armenia. Kennedy co-stars alongside Armenian
beauty, Angela Sarafyan in this romantic comedy that was featured this
past Thursday night at the Egyptian Theater as part of the 15th Annual
Arpa International Film Festival and Hollywood Today is covering it.
Founded in 1997 by Sylvia Minassian, the Arpa International Film
Festival serves as an opportunity to foster cultural understanding and
empathy with a particular focus on films that explore Diaspora and
exile within culture. Lost and Found in Armenia, directed by Gor
Kirakorsian, is a perfect example of the cinematic examination of
ethnic intricacies and ties to specific regions, cultural practices
and beliefs. This film tells the story of Bill (Jaime Kennedy), the
son of a U.S. Senator who accidentally gets dropped in Armenia after
being coerced into a trip to Turkey by best friends (Dave Sheridan and
Murisa Harba) hoping to mend his recently broken heart. From the
moment he lands in the remote Armenian village, he gets into a host of
shenanigans trying to find his way home, including wild chases, red
handled axes and falling in love with the beautiful Ani (Angela
Sarafyan).
Written as a comedy, the feature length movie jokingly made references
to the relationship between Armenia and Turkey and the American
perspective of the Middle East. Complete with language barriers,
social differences and overall lack of understanding, Kennedy is
ultimately celebrated by the villagers after returning Ani from
capture by Turkish soldiers. While we are all familiar with the
cliché, love knows no boundaries, ethnic and racial prejudices
continue to serve as a wedge between multi cultural relations. Lost
and Found in Armenia reminds us that we are all human beings who want
to give and receive love regardless of its physical manifestation, and
instead of closing ourselves off to our unique characteristics, they
should be embraced and celebrated.
The 15th Annual Arpa International Film Festival will continue to do
just that this weekend as they screen films from writers, directors
and producers from around the globe. `Our goal is to launch the
careers of emerging filmmakers and celebrate the independent film work
of our festival's most gifted filmmakers.' Sylvia Minassian, Founder
of the Arpa International Film Festival told us. Whether you're
Armenian, American or somewhere in between, the Arpa International
Film Festival is a great opportunity to get a glimpse into the world
beyond what you know. Tickets can still be purchased for tomorrow's
viewings at AFFMA.org.
http://www.hollywoodtoday.net/2012/12/01/lost-and-found-in-armenia/
Dec 1 2012
Lost and Found in Armenia
December 1st, 2012
The 15th Annual Arpa International Film Festival
By Valerie Milano
Hollywood, CA (Hollywood Today) 12/1/2012 - `You mean like Glendale?'
Jaime Kennedy referencing his familiarity with Armenians in the new
film Lost and Found in Armenia. Kennedy co-stars alongside Armenian
beauty, Angela Sarafyan in this romantic comedy that was featured this
past Thursday night at the Egyptian Theater as part of the 15th Annual
Arpa International Film Festival and Hollywood Today is covering it.
Founded in 1997 by Sylvia Minassian, the Arpa International Film
Festival serves as an opportunity to foster cultural understanding and
empathy with a particular focus on films that explore Diaspora and
exile within culture. Lost and Found in Armenia, directed by Gor
Kirakorsian, is a perfect example of the cinematic examination of
ethnic intricacies and ties to specific regions, cultural practices
and beliefs. This film tells the story of Bill (Jaime Kennedy), the
son of a U.S. Senator who accidentally gets dropped in Armenia after
being coerced into a trip to Turkey by best friends (Dave Sheridan and
Murisa Harba) hoping to mend his recently broken heart. From the
moment he lands in the remote Armenian village, he gets into a host of
shenanigans trying to find his way home, including wild chases, red
handled axes and falling in love with the beautiful Ani (Angela
Sarafyan).
Written as a comedy, the feature length movie jokingly made references
to the relationship between Armenia and Turkey and the American
perspective of the Middle East. Complete with language barriers,
social differences and overall lack of understanding, Kennedy is
ultimately celebrated by the villagers after returning Ani from
capture by Turkish soldiers. While we are all familiar with the
cliché, love knows no boundaries, ethnic and racial prejudices
continue to serve as a wedge between multi cultural relations. Lost
and Found in Armenia reminds us that we are all human beings who want
to give and receive love regardless of its physical manifestation, and
instead of closing ourselves off to our unique characteristics, they
should be embraced and celebrated.
The 15th Annual Arpa International Film Festival will continue to do
just that this weekend as they screen films from writers, directors
and producers from around the globe. `Our goal is to launch the
careers of emerging filmmakers and celebrate the independent film work
of our festival's most gifted filmmakers.' Sylvia Minassian, Founder
of the Arpa International Film Festival told us. Whether you're
Armenian, American or somewhere in between, the Arpa International
Film Festival is a great opportunity to get a glimpse into the world
beyond what you know. Tickets can still be purchased for tomorrow's
viewings at AFFMA.org.
http://www.hollywoodtoday.net/2012/12/01/lost-and-found-in-armenia/