The U.S. Embassy’s American Film Showcase 2018 “Inspire, Empower, Encourage” will feature free screenings of thirteen feature documentaries from April 27 to May 3 at the Moscow Cinema. Like last year, the film festival is about more than watching movies. It will also feature a master class for young Armenian filmmakers.
This year, the workshop will be focused on cutting edge visual film effects and will be led by award-winning American visual effects artist Dariush Derakhshani.
“We want to encourage Armenian filmmakers to tell Armenian stories, both to the domestic audience but also to viewers abroad. That is why we bring top American talent to share best practices and exchange ideas and inspiration with some of Armenia’s next generation of filmmakers,” said U.S. Ambassador to Armenia Richard Mills, Jr.
The free master class will run from April 28 to May 4. Participation will be limited, ensuring hands-on learning. Interested professionals are encouraged to apply. The application deadline is April 15 and the description and the online application can be found here: https://goo.gl/vsskAc.
Based in Los Angeles, CA, Derakhshani is a visual effects and computer generated graphics supervisor. He has worked on a number of feature films such as “Apocalypto,” “RED,” and “Fantastic Four.” His work has also appeared in countless commercials and the hit TV show “South Park.” He is also a respected instructor, currently adjunct faculty at the University of Southern California’s film school. He has authored several best-selling books, many focused on Maya computer animation software platform.
Along with the week-long masterclass, Derakhshani will offer a free public lecture on the magic of moviemaking. Details on the lecture will be forthcoming.
Film screenings
Thirteen documentary films will be screened during the American Film Showcase 2018 “Inspire, Empower, Encourage.” The showcase opens at 19:00 on April 27 at the Moscow Cinema with a screening of our feature film “The Music of Strangers,” which tells the story of how famed American cellist Yo Yo Ma pulled together musicians from multiple countries and musical styles to form the Silk Road Ensemble, a bold musical experiment. The ensemble’s members are using music to explore the ties that bind humanity together.
The free film screenings will continue at the Moscow Theater daily from April 28 to May 3, at 17:00 and 19:00 each day. The films include: “Mele Murals,” “Floyd Norman: An Animated Life,” “Swim Team,” “The Ataxian,” “The Big Flip,” “The If Project,” “Happening,” “Rancher, Farmer, Fisherman,” “The Empowerment Project,” “Supergirl,” “High School 911,” and “Beyond Measure.”
