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From bookstore events to hosting the SINNERS Los Angeles premiere, what’s it like to start a film community from scratch? Armen and Mary Karaoghlanian, founders of Armenian Film Society, share how they turned their passion for cinema and community into a cultural hub that hosts major film festivals, galas, and premieres. They discuss their recent 10-year anniversary gala featuring a conversation with Proximity founders Ryan Coogler and Sev Ohanian, where Sev was inducted into the Armenian Film Hall of Fame. They also reveal what it’s like to build your dream passion project while working full-time jobs and becoming new parents, the importance of consistency and authenticity in community building, and how they’ve spotlighted everyone from indie filmmakers to major Hollywood productions like SINNERS and ANORA.
(00:00)
Ryan Coogler and Sev Ohanian in proximity at AFS
(00:55)
From a small bookshop event to a widely-attended gala…
(02:25)
Voice Memo from Sona Movsesian (Conan O’ Brien Needs a Friend)
(04:02)
Why Cher and Charles Aznavour are iconic
(04:42)
What is the Armenian Film Society?
(05:00)
First community event at Abril Books in in Glendale
(07:41)
Screening Sean Baker’s TANGERINE and Alexander Payne’s SIDEWAYS
(09:23)
Ryan Coogler and Sev Ohanian at the FAS 10th Anniversary Gala
(10:27)
Videos from the night of the AFS gala
(12:35)
Honoring ELIO director Madeline Sharafian & ANORA actor Karren Karagulian
(14:58)
Steven Zaillian, Rouben Mamoulian, and the importance of Armenians in film
(16:17)
How Armen and Mary built Armenian Film Society
(17:45)
Building community takes consistency
(19:39)
From university film professor to film society founder
(21:46)
Armen and Mary’s meet cute story… and their AOL Messenger screen name
(23:16)
Family inspiration: Armenian International Magazine and a vintage film camera
(28:17)
Prox Recs
How to Build a Film Community with Armenian Film Society
December 8, 2025
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