We salute the incredible woman behind the 20 years of successful Arpa International Film Festival, her deep passion for language and the arts. SYLVIA MINASSIAN the founder,

Arpa Foundation for Film, Music & Art (AFFMA) is a nonprofit organization founded in 1995 with the purpose of providing a platform for filmmakers, musicians and artists, whose works explore subjects of social and cultural importance. AFMMA’s biggest endeavor was launching its signature Arpa International Film Festival in 1997, which quickly came to be recognized as one of the leading indie film festivals in Southern California.

Festival Mission

Arpa International Film Festival is dedicated to cultivating cultural understanding and global empathy by creating a dynamic forum for international cinema. Over the past 20 years, the festival has bridged cultural divides by fostering dialogue among people of diverse backgrounds. By showcasing local and international films that explore critical issues such as war, genocide, diaspora, dual identities, exile and multi-culturism, Arpa International Film Festival has solidified its role in safeguarding films that continue to make a social impact.

GagruleLive will bring you full coverage of 3 days Arpa international Film Festival, coming soon