Artsakh Arts & Cultural Foundation Hosts Red-Carpet Premiere of Acclaimed Armenian Director Jivan Avetisyan’s International Feature Film, Starring Armand Assante, Heino Ferch, Robin Hairabian, Clémence Baudouin, and Maia Morgenstern. Following an Extraordinary Weekend of Cinema and Cultural Exchange, “Revival” Returns to Southern California for a Public Screening at Glendale’s Historic Alex Theatre on November 9.

BURBANK, Calif. — An extraordinary eight-year cinematic journey culminated on Saturday, October 3, as the Artsakh Arts & Cultural Foundation hosted the highly anticipated Hollywood premiere of “Revival,” the latest feature film by internationally acclaimed, award-winning Armenian director Jivan Avetisyan, at Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank, California.

An international European co-production between Armenia, Lithuania, and Cyprus, “Revival” brings together an acclaimed international cast and creative team in a powerful cinematic exploration of humanity, war, technology, and the resilience of the human spirit.

The red-carpet event welcomed international film stars, filmmakers, producers, community leaders, and supporters of Armenian cinema for an unforgettable evening celebrating the power of storytelling and the enduring cultural legacy of Artsakh.

The premiere marked the culmination of years of dedication and perseverance, as the filmmakers overcame the challenges of a global pandemic, the 2020 Artsakh War, the nine-month blockade of Artsakh, and numerous obstacles associated with an ambitious international production.

Beyond celebrating the completion of the film, the weekend created an opportunity for international artists to experience Armenian heritage firsthand and witness the warmth, solidarity, and unity of the Armenian-American community.

Following the screening, Avetisyan received a standing ovation from the audience in an emotional tribute to his artistic vision and unwavering commitment to bringing the stories of Artsakh to international audiences.

The premiere welcomed members of “Revival’s” distinguished international cast, including Emmy Award-winning actor and Hollywood legend Armand Assante, acclaimed German actor Heino Ferch, Robin Hairabian, and French actress Clémence Baudouin. Internationally renowned actress Maia Morgenstern also stars in the film but was unable to attend the premiere.

Joining the cast were director Jivan Avetisyan, creative producer Viken Attarian, screenwriter Monique Peterson, and members of the international creative and production teams whose contributions helped bring the film to life.

Notable guests included Arthur Sarkissian, Jack Topalian, Shahan Minassian, Ken Davitian, and Bobby Khan, alongside community leaders, cultural advocates, and supporters of Armenian cinema.

The premiere was organized by the Artsakh Arts & Cultural Foundation, a California nonprofit corporation recognized as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization.

AACF Chairman Garo Madenlian, Chief Financial Officer Arthur Chalekian, and Secretary Adrineh Mirzayan led the organization of the event. Madenlian and Chalekian also served as supervising producers of “Revival,” while Mirzayan served as an executive producer.

AACF also serves as the fiscal sponsor of “Revival,” supporting the film’s production and its mission of bringing the stories of Artsakh to international audiences. More broadly, the foundation supports artistic, cultural, and historical initiatives that preserve Armenian heritage, celebrate Armenian contributions to the world, and promote greater awareness of Armenian history and culture.

“Revival” is an international European co-production between Armenia, Lithuania, and Cyprus, bringing together filmmakers, producers, and creative professionals across borders.

The Lithuanian co-production partner is Aikštės Filmai, represented by producer Kęstutis Drazdauskas, while Cyprus is represented by Caretta Films, led by producer Constantinos Nikoforou.

The international co-production was also made possible through the support of the Ministry of Culture of Cyprus and the Cinema Foundation of Armenia, whose contributions helped advance the film’s production.

Cyprus played a particularly significant role in the production, serving as the on-screen setting for Marseille, France. Through the use of locations in Cyprus, the filmmakers brought the French city to life on screen while benefiting from the expertise and resources of their international partners.

Together with the Armenian production team, these partners helped realize Avetisyan’s ambitious cinematic vision.

The collaboration demonstrates how international co-productions can unite creative talent, resources, and expertise to bring meaningful stories to audiences worldwide, even in the face of extraordinary production challenges.

Among the most memorable outcomes of the premiere weekend was the impression the Armenian community left on the film’s international cast.

Throughout their visit, cast members repeatedly expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to experience Armenian culture, learn more about the history and heritage of the Armenian people, and connect with a community whose warmth and generosity made them feel genuinely welcomed.

They were particularly struck by the remarkable unity they witnessed among Armenians, the deep bonds connecting community members, and the collective pride in preserving their cultural identity and sharing their heritage with the world.

From welcoming dinners and visits to cultural landmarks to the red-carpet celebration and post-premiere gathering, the international guests experienced firsthand a community united by its history, traditions, hospitality, and enduring connection to Artsakh.

Their repeated expressions of appreciation became one of the most rewarding aspects of the visit. For the filmmakers and organizers, introducing international artists to Armenian culture was an essential part of the weekend’s purpose: building bridges, fostering understanding, and creating meaningful relationships beyond the film industry.

The experience was a powerful reminder that cinema can do more than tell stories. It can bring people together, introduce audiences to different cultures, and create lasting connections across national and cultural boundaries.

Set against the backdrop of the global COVID-19 pandemic and the devastating 2020 Artsakh War, “Revival” explores the intersection of human relationships, tragedy, scientific advancement, artificial intelligence, and the timeless struggle between destruction and renewal.

Blending powerful human drama with elements of science fiction, the film follows interconnected lives confronted by the consequences of war, technological innovation, and profound moral choices. It examines the ethical challenges posed by emerging technologies while confronting the devastating human consequences of conflict.

Assante portrays Jean Perbost, Chair of Robotics at the University of Marseille, whose involvement in advanced technology brings questions of artificial intelligence, ethics, and human responsibility into sharp focus.

Through its international cast and multilayered narrative, “Revival” examines the relationship between humanity and technology, the consequences of war, and the possibility of hope and renewal in the face of extraordinary adversity.

Although deeply rooted in the Armenian experience and the tragedy of Artsakh, the film addresses universal themes of survival, moral responsibility, identity, and the enduring strength of the human spirit.

The evening began with a red-carpet reception, where cast members, filmmakers, producers, sponsors, and distinguished guests gathered for photographs and interviews with members of the media.

Among those conducting interviews were Armine Amiryan of USArmenia TV and Nona Melkonian, who spoke with the film’s stars and creative team about their experiences, the significance of the project, and the importance of bringing Armenian stories to international audiences. Louisa Sharamatyan provided social media coverage, capturing moments from the evening and sharing the celebration with audiences beyond the theater.

Following the red carpet, guests gathered inside the theater for an introductory program featuring remarks by AACF Chairman Garo Madenlian, executive producer Adrineh Mirzayan, and principal cast members Armand Assante, Heino Ferch, and Robin Hairabian.

Madenlian welcomed the audience and reflected on AACF’s mission and its longstanding collaboration with Avetisyan. Recognizing fellow foundation founders Adrineh Mirzayan and Arthur Chalekian, he emphasized the importance of preserving the history, identity, and cultural heritage of Artsakh, particularly following the forced displacement of its indigenous Armenian population.

He underscored the responsibility of Armenians and friends of Artsakh everywhere to ensure that the voices and experiences of its people are neither silenced nor forgotten.

Madenlian reflected on the power of memory, culture, language, identity, courage, and collective determination to sustain a nation through its darkest moments. He emphasized that cinema provides a powerful means of reaching audiences across cultural and national boundaries.

He concluded by thanking Avetisyan, the international cast and crew, the producers, partners, and supporters whose dedication helped make the film and the premiere possible.

Assante addressed the audience about his participation in “Revival” and the importance of storytelling that challenges viewers to confront difficult questions about humanity.

He reflected on cinema’s ability to transcend borders, communicate shared human experiences, and encourage audiences to consider the ethical responsibilities that accompany technological progress and conflict.

He also offered warm praise for Avetisyan, recognizing the director’s artistic vision, dedication, and ability to unite an international cast and creative team around a meaningful cinematic project.

Ferch, one of Germany’s most respected film and television actors, shared his perspective on participating in an international production that brings together artists from different cultural and national backgrounds.

He highlighted the collaborative nature of filmmaking and the importance of telling stories that resonate beyond the immediate circumstances in which they are set. He also praised Avetisyan’s commitment and artistic vision, emphasizing the value of films that connect audiences across national and cultural boundaries.

Hairabian spoke about the personal and emotional dimensions of the film and the privilege of helping tell a story rooted in Armenian history.

He reflected on the experience of participating in a production that combines deeply personal human experiences with broader themes of war, resilience, sacrifice, and hope.

Mirzayan, AACF Secretary and executive producer of “Revival”, reflected on the extraordinary eight-year journey required to bring the film to the big screen.

She spoke about the dedication, perseverance, and collective effort that carried the project through a global pandemic, the 2020 Artsakh War, the nine-month blockade of Artsakh, and numerous production challenges.

She acknowledged the international cast, production partners, creative team, and supporters who remained committed to the film through its many stages.

Mirzayan emphasized that completing and premiering “Revival” represented more than an artistic achievement. It was a testament to what can be accomplished through persistence, collaboration, and a shared belief in the importance of ensuring that the story of Artsakh continues to reach the world.

Together, the speakers celebrated the international collaboration behind “Revival” and the determination required to bring such an ambitious production to completion.

Following the screening, Avetisyan addressed the audience, reflecting on the film’s long and challenging journey and expressing his appreciation to the cast, crew, producers, creative collaborators, sponsors, and supporters who helped make “Revival” a reality.

He spoke about cinema as a means of preserving historical memory, giving voice to the experiences of the Armenian people of Artsakh, and connecting audiences through universal human stories.

Avetisyan’s filmmaking has consistently explored the human consequences of war and the struggles of the people of Artsakh. With “Revival,” he brings these enduring concerns into conversation with contemporary questions surrounding technology, artificial intelligence, morality, and the future of humanity.

The evening reached an emotional high point as the audience rose to its feet in a standing ovation, recognizing both the achievement of “Revival” and Avetisyan’s continued dedication to filmmaking that explores the human consequences of conflict and the resilience of those who endure it.

The ovation was a fitting tribute to a filmmaker whose work continues to bring the stories, history, and experiences of Artsakh to international audiences.

“Revival” is Avetisyan’s fourth feature film, following “Tevanik,” “The Last Inhabitant,” and “Gate to Heaven.”

Through these films, Avetisyan has established a distinctive cinematic voice, exploring the lives of ordinary people caught in extraordinary historical circumstances, particularly the conflicts surrounding Artsakh.

His work has brought together Armenian and international actors and production teams, helping introduce the stories, history, and struggles of Artsakh to audiences beyond the Armenian community.

With “Revival,” Avetisyan expands his artistic vision by incorporating artificial intelligence and contemporary technological dilemmas into a deeply human narrative.

His upcoming cinematic projects include “Angels 2020,” “Black List,” “Baa’bel,” “The Stateless Diplomat,” “Apricot Sky,” and “5000 Years – 9 Months – 7 Days,” continuing his commitment to telling powerful stories through international filmmaking.

The Hollywood premiere was the centerpiece of a weekend of activities organized to welcome the international cast and creative team and introduce them to Southern California’s vibrant Armenian-American community and cultural institutions.

The weekend began Friday evening with a welcome dinner at Damon’s Steak House in Glendale, graciously hosted by Viken and Houri Ghazarian. The gathering brought together cast members, filmmakers, producers, and friends of the production, setting the tone for a weekend defined by friendship and Armenian hospitality.

The visiting guests also enjoyed a walk along Artsakh Street in Glendale, a symbolic destination reflecting the community’s enduring connection to Artsakh and its people.

During a special tour of the Armenian American Museum, Berdj Karapetian introduced the visitors to the institution’s mission, exhibits, public spaces, and work to preserve and share Armenian history, heritage, and the cultural legacy of the Armenian-American community.

The weekend’s hospitality continued with a luncheon at Massis Kabob, generously hosted by Peter and Gevik Baghdassarian, offering the international guests another opportunity to experience Armenian cuisine and hospitality.

Following Saturday’s premiere, the celebration continued at Mya Rooftop at The Glenmark Hotel in Glendale, where cast members, filmmakers, producers, and invited guests gathered to celebrate the film’s Hollywood debut.

The weekend concluded with a farewell dinner hosted by Arthur and Lara Chalekian at their residence, bringing the visiting guests and members of the production team together for a final evening of friendship and appreciation.

Together, these gatherings and cultural visits provided a meaningful introduction to the Armenian-American community and highlighted the generosity of the individuals and organizations who welcomed the international guests.

Founded by Garo Madenlian, Arthur Chalekian, and Adrineh Mirzayan, the Artsakh Arts & Cultural Foundation was established to raise awareness of Artsakh through art, culture, and, particularly, motion pictures.

Over the years, AACF has worked closely with Avetisyan to support feature films that bring the experiences, history, and aspirations of the Armenian people of Artsakh to international audiences.

“Revival” represents the fourth feature-film collaboration involving Avetisyan and the foundation’s leadership, continuing a shared commitment to using cinema as a vehicle for cultural preservation, historical memory, and international awareness.

As the film’s fiscal sponsor, AACF supports “Revival’s” broader mission of bringing the stories, history, and cultural heritage of Artsakh to audiences around the world.

At a time when the indigenous Armenian population of Artsakh has been forcibly displaced from its ancestral homeland, AACF believes that preserving and sharing the stories of its people is more important than ever.

The foundation’s work reflects a belief that art has the power not only to entertain but also to educate, inspire, preserve identity, and ensure that the voices of those affected by war and displacement are not forgotten.

Following the Hollywood premiere, “Revival” will return to the big screen for a special public screening on Monday, November 9, at the historic Alex Theatre in Glendale, California.

The screening offers another opportunity for members of the Armenian community, film enthusiasts, and the general public to experience Avetisyan’s latest work and engage with a story that connects the Armenian experience with universal questions about humanity, technology, war, and the future.

Audiences who were unable to attend the Warner Bros. premiere will have another opportunity to discover the film on the big screen in a historic theater that has long served as a cultural landmark in Glendale.

Tickets for the November 9 screening are available now. Click here to purchase tickets.

Even amid war, loss, and profound uncertainty, the human spirit retains the capacity to endure, overcome, and rise again.

REVIVAL.

The Artsakh Arts & Cultural Foundation is a California nonprofit corporation recognized as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization and dedicated to raising awareness of Artsakh through film, art, and cultural initiatives.

Founded by Garo Madenlian, Arthur Chalekian, and Adrineh Mirzayan, AACF supports cinematic and artistic projects that preserve Armenian cultural heritage, amplify the stories of the people of Artsakh, and introduce their history and experiences to international audiences.