Cummings Foundation Grant Recipient

Strangers in a Promised Land ~ Friday, November 15, 2024 ~ In-Person (UCLA James Bridges Theater)

Ararat-Eskijian Museum Armenian Film Foundation Bryan Bedrosian Carla Garapedian NAASR Strangers in a Promised Land

Friday, November 15, 2024 from 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM PST

In-Person at UCLA James Bridges Theater, 235 Charles E Young Dr E,
Los Angeles, CA 90095

Please click here to register for in-person attendance 

Organized by the UCLA Promise Armenian Institute

FEATURED SPEAKERS:

Carla Garapedian, Ph.D., is a filmmaker and member of The Armenian Film Foundation, which has forged a new partnership with the Promise Armenian Institute – to support the study of Armenian film and filmmakers, as well as to create the Armenian Image Archive, a repository and platform for the study of Armenian photography – from early to contemporary photographers.

Bryan Bedrosian is a prominent member of the Fresno Armenian community. He is the President and CEO of Bedrosian Farms, an experienced ranch manager with over 40 years of expertise in managing large-scale farming operations. Bedrosian holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Marketing from California State University, Fresno.

A screening of the remastered 1984 documentary about the struggles of Armenian immigrants arriving in California in the early 1900s, followed by a discussion with prominent member of the Fresno Armenian community Mr. Bryan Bedrosian, and Carla Garapedian, Ph.D. of the Armenian Film Foundation. This event is organized in collaboration with the Armenian Film Foundation.

This hour-long documentary, directed by filmmaker J. Michael Hagopian in 1984, was partly funded by federal grants and tells the story of the struggles of the first Armenian settlers in Fresno as they tried to create a new life in the legendary Central Valley, home to the richest farmland in the world.

Himself an early resident of Fresno, Hagopian believed the Armenian experience in California reflected the universal experience of immigrants arriving in America from all over the world.

Narrated by former California Governor George Deukmejian, “Strangers in a Promised Land” includes, among others, the story of artists such as William Saroyan and Varaz Samuelian; the Seropian family, who were among the first Armenians to arrive in the region; Malcolm Markarian, the “fig king” of America; and the Bedrosians and Pakchoians, who became leaders in the raisin industry.

CO-SPONSORS:

Ararat-Eskijian Museum

Armenian Film Foundation

NAASR

Please click here to access the event flyer. 


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