Friday, September 20, 2024 at 7 PM PST
In-Person at the University Business Center at Fresno State, 5245 N. Backer Ave., Fresno, CA 93740
“Strangers in a Promised Land” is the story of the Fresno Armenian community over a hundred-year period. This newly remastered film from the original 16mm print,
depicts the universal experience of immigration, the overcoming of adversity, discrimination and the achievement of success by Fresno Armenians. Narrated by Governor George Deukmejian, the film tells the story of the first Armenian settlers in Fresno and their struggle to create a new homeland in the legendary Central Valley, the richest farmland in the world. It includes, amongst others, the story of the Seropian family; Malcolm Markarian, the “fig king” of America; the Bedrosians and Pakchoians, who became leaders in the raisin industry; and artists like William Saroyan and Varaz Samuelian. Both nostalgic and bittersweet, this hour-long film is a rare portrait of the Fresno community forged in adversity, hope and promise.
Free admission to the reception and screening.
Free Parking in Lot P6 or P5.
Parking permits are not required for Friday evening events.
CO-SPONSORS:
The Armenian Studies Program at Fresno State
The Armenian Film Foundation
National Association for Armenian Studies and Research