Arpa International Film Festival announces 2011 jury

The 14th Arpa International Film Festival announced this year’s jury and the nominated and distinguished films for 2011, Asbarez.com reported.

The annual Arpa International Film Festival, presented by AT&T YP.com takes place September 22-24, 2011 at the Egyptian Theatre (6712 Hollywood Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90028-4605).

Joining the distinguished jury are CAA talent representatives Ara Keshishian and Jeff Speich and marketing producer Owen Ward. The judges will choose winners for Best Documentary, Best Short Film, and Best Feature Film from the nominated films which were selected from this year’s festival entries. The nominees in the Best Feature category are also eligible to receive Best Screenplay and Best Director nods. Winners will be announced prior to their screenings throughout the three day festivities.

“We are honored to have these industry professionals join us as members of the jury this year. Each represents a very different arc with regards to viewing the artistic contributions of the nominated films. They have a difficult task as all of our films this year present unique and diverse perspectives,” stated Alex Kalognomos, fest’s director.

This year’s Best Short Film category includes directors who have perfected the art of weaving full stories into minutes. Nominees are Eric Nazarian for BOLIS; Armen Khechoumian’s Folie a Deux; and LE PIANO from director Levon Minasian. FOLIE A DEUX can be seen at Friday’s (Sept. 23) Shorts Program at 10:15pm. Both BOLIS and LE PIANO will be screened free to the public during the Saturday Evening Shorts Program on September 24 at 6pm.

Arpa International Film Festival is world renowned for its hard hitting, thought provoking documentaries from international filmmakers and this year’s selection is no exception. Nominated for Best Documentary are four exceptional films in their own right, Sushmit Ghosh and Rintu Thomas’ Dilli; Robert Davidian’s Return; Arman Yeritsyan and Inna Sahakyan’s The Last Tightpore Dance In Armenia; and Occupation has No Future directed by David Zlutnick.