National, International, Armenia, and Community News and Opinion

The Armenian Reporter | May 2, 2009 11CommunityDirectors, actors showcasework at affma eventLOS ANGELES – A young director,whose film garnered the attentionof Michael Moore, alongwith the actors of NBC’s new show“Southland” and the theatrical production,“Big Bad Armo Show” werein attendance to have their workshowcased at a Los Angeles fundraiser,hosted by the Arpa Foundationfor Film Music and Art.Martin Yernazian’s presentationof his film “Art Officially Flavored”was the highlight of the affmamixer on April 9, at the DesertRose Bar & Lounge, in Los Angeles.The documentary about a streetmusician, with a revolutionary approachto his instrument, caughtthe attention of award winning filmmaker Michael Moore along withAerosmith’s Steven Tyler and DefLeopard’s Joe Elliot.“I made this film because of mylove for the arts, music and the opportunityto tell a great story. Itwas a challenge because I’m not adocumentarian. A few months agowe got an e-mail from the directorof the Traverse City Film Festivalmentioning in her message thatMichael Moore learned about thefilm and was interested in showingit at his festival this summer,” Yernazianexplained.The director presented scenesfrom his movie showcasing MichaelMasely, his subject, performingas a street musician andpiecing together his instruments.During the presentation, founderof affma, Sylvia Minassian, saidshe was elated to be presentingAt the affma event.special talents such as Martin Yernazianto the community. “We arehosting this event because Martinis so special to us,” she said SylviaMinassian.Alex Kalognomos, vice-chairpersonof affma, said that withoutartists like Martin Yernazian,or the actors in “Southland,” and“Big Bad Armo Show,” including allthe independent film makers, writers,musicians their organizationwould not exist.The evening came to a close withthe debut of “Southland”on nbcwith the cast members of the showpresent in the mixer.“affma is a non-profit art organization,so we know what it’s like tooperate with little funding. Most ofthe artists who seek affma’s supportare in need of more than justmoney. affma can offer a wholerange of services to support theindependent artist,” said Kalognomos.Visit us at reporter.am