100K IS OUR FINAL STRETCH GOAL… LET’S DO THIS!

A lifelong PASSION for film inspires us to create yet another film… our 4th! Our director Jivan Avetis yan who grew up in Artsakh has always been captivated by the world of cinema. Jivan’s fascination with film began when he was a little boy growing up in Khachmach, a village on the outskirts of Stepanakert. In fact, Jivan’s lifelong DREAM of creating a film in Khachmach was realized in 2015 with the production of our second feature film The Last Inhabitant, now streaming on Prime.

Jivan’s deep-rooted passion for filmmaking is what brings us here to our crowdfunding campaign TODAY! There is so much to be told! We need to REWRITE stories and share it with a mainstream audience. Artsakh will serve as the backdrop of the storyline of our new feature film project, Revival, a film that is thought-provoking, mind-twisting, with several unexpected turns of events. Ohhhh and you will get to meet ORCHID20… Murat’s creation!

Revival, two and a half years in the making, will be on your WATCHLIST in 2024… YES, filmmaking is a process!

Link in bio on Jivan Avetisyan’s Instagram page to check out info on his award-winning films! 

Armenian international award-winning film director Jivan Avetisyan from Artsakh spent 38 horrifying days in Stepanakert this past October documenting the war crimes committed against the Armenian population. He will be integrating his findings in our film project.

Jivan is no stranger to the international cinematic world as his three previous feature films, Tevanik (also streaming on Amazon Prime), The Last Inhabitant, and Gate to Heaven have their own individual global success stories. Jivan also rocked the Berlinale Talents 2020, a talent program within the framework of the Berlin International Film Festival. He was selected amongst 3,400 applicants to attend with our new film project Revival, Berlinale Talents 2020. Jivan, as a Berlinale Talent 2020, was also selected by the reputable German international broadcast Deutsche Welle to be the subject of a documentary.

What else? Our film project Revival received the following shout out from Roy W. Dean – Summer 2020 Grant, From the Heart Productions: “Thanks for sending us your brilliant film to review.  We have sincerely enjoyed reading your work. The film has been selected in the category of “Hot Films in the Making”. We like the film and know it has excellent potential.  We will host your film on our website for a year to help you promote it and to help you raise funds.”

Here is the latest from Cineuropa! Jivan Avetisyan’s Interview and Gate to Heaven Film Review after Moscow International Film Festival “Pulls Nagorno-Karabakh Drama Over Violence Worries”: Moscow Times.

LET’S DO THIS! Thank you for your ongoing support. We are CONFIDENT that we are on the right track with our film project!

One woman’s secret forces three destinies to intertwine when a young robotics student living in France is determined to root out the truth of his father’s wartime death in Armenia / Artsakh… his girlfriend, a young Frenchwoman sets out to reunite with her estranged volcanologist father in Iceland to trace her indigenous Canadian roots… his esteemed French professor, a descendent of a Holocaust survivor, reclaims his abandoned Jewish roots in Israel in search of the meaning of life.

Along the way, the hardships they face force them to make sacrifices that bring them closer to their true identities.

It’s almost a WRAP – we are at the tail end of finalizing our script and it’s EXCITING!!!

The National Cinema Center of Armenia, Fish eye Art Cultural Foundation of Armenia, ARTsakh Arts and Cultural Foundation of the US, “Artbox” Production House of Lithuania, and Executive Producer funded the pre-production phase of Revival, for a total of $51,700.

What’s next? The next 6 months are crucial. We have a hefty campaign goal of $100,000 for our production in Armenia in the Fall of 2022. $25,000 is the magic number to help us kick start the project. The remainder of our budget will be completed by other funds, grants, and fundraising campaigns.

We want you to feel part of this BIG production! Be a backer and receive a PERK! We have customized a selection of tiered rewards! Spread the word and share our links! We can DO THIS TOGETHER!

Development Phase (10/2018 – 03/2021):

Completed with a budget of $51,700

Funded By:

Fish eye Art Cultural Foundation, National Cinema Center of Armenia, Artsakh Arts and Cultural Foundation, Artbox Production House, and Executive Producer

Crowdfunding Campaign:

Keeping the project on track! The next 6 months are crucial in order to lead our production to success in the fall of 2022

Budget:

$384,470

Funded By:

$80K funded by Fish eye Art Cultural Foundation

Goal:

1. Seek $100K from the crowdfunding campaign

2. Seek $204K from National Cinema Center of Armenia, other funds and grants, fundraising efforts, private screenings, donations, and investors

Production Phase:

Fall 2022

Phase 1 – Production in Armenia

Phase 2 – Europe and Other

Forecasted Budget for Production in Armenia: $384,470

Crowdfunding Campaign $100K

I believe art can HEAL

Jivan is an Armenian film director, born in Gyumri, raised in Artsakh, and currently based in the capital city of Yerevan, Armenia. As a child, Jivan grew up during one of the most violent conflicts in the Caucasus and understands well the brutal consequences of war. Although his own childhood was stripped of playful mischief, he was instead laden with responsibility to protect family and friends. He did not abandon his dream and passion for filmmaking.

Jivan’s lifelong dream of storytelling, of chronicling history, and putting Artsakh on the world map has been realized through the art of filmmaking. Jivan has created well over 20 documentaries, short films, and three feature films, Tevanik, The Last Inhabitant, and Gate to Heaven.

I believe film can EDUCATE

Narine, a film director and scriptwriter born in Kapan is currently based in Yerevan, Armenia. Narine, who joined Fish eye Art Cultural Foundation from the very beginning, has played an instrumental role and currently serves as the Creative Director of the Fish eye Art Cultural Foundation. Narine has been creating films with director Jivan Avetisyan for the past six years.

I believe in the power of STORYTELLING

Monique’s storytelling experience spans over twenty years as a writer and producer of the film, books, and new media. Monique began her career as a broadcast journalist in California’s Napa Valley in 1989, producing live radio coverage of the wine industry and local politics. Monique has written, edited, and produced works on film, art, science, history, and pop culture for The Walt Disney Company, National Geographic, Discovery Channel, Fodor’s Travel, and Insight Editions (Harry Potter: The Wand Collection).

In 2006, as editor-in-chief of divinecaroline.com, Monique helped launch one of the first social media publishing websites for women dedicated to storytelling. She continues to write and consult on film projects including Neil Bell’s 2014 documentary Welcome To Somalia and Jivan Avetisyan’s 2019 feature film Gate to Heaven. Monique presently lives in California and is now developing the screenplay for Revival.

I believe in MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Masis is the co-founder of Fish eye Art Cultural Foundation and has been serving as its Chairman of the Board of Trustees since its inception in 2014. Masis decided to establish the organization along with Jivan Avetisyan with a mission to create cultural projects, particularly films, whose beliefs are based on universal human values.

Masis began his film career with Tevanik in 2014 as a Producer. Masis produced and co-wrote the script for The Last Inhabitant (2016). He also produced the foundation’s third feature film Gate to Heaven (2019). Masis is currently working on the foundation’s new film projects Revival and Black List, which are currently in the development stage.

I believe film is a POWERFUL MEDIUM

Kestutis is an industry expert and an international award-winning producer with over twenty years of experience. He chairs the Board of Independent Producers Association and the Advisory Board of the Vilnius Film Office. Additionally, he is a Board Member of the Film Policy Council at the Ministry of Culture.

Kestutis began his career in producing films in 1998 in Vilnius, Lithuania and since then he has become one of the most active, influential, and successful film producers in the country. In 2003, Kestutis founded his own production company “ARTBOX”, which has produced a number international feature films and documentaries.

I believe in REWRITING STORIES

Adrineh’s upbringing, traveling, being multi-lingual, and exposure to different cultures have led her to a career in the hospitality industry. Adrineh is currently an Executive in a leading luxury brand hotel.

As a grandchild of Armenian Genocide Survivors of both paternal and maternal side, Adrineh has always had the determination and perseverance to bring awareness about Armenian culture and causes around the globe.

Adrineh’s involvement with film began in 2014 with Jivan Avetisyan’s previous international award-winning film, Tevanik. Adrineh then served as the Executive Producer for Jivan Avetisyan’s next three feature films The Last Inhabitant, Gate to Heaven, and Revival. Adrineh’s next film project also includes Black List.

 I believe in SIMPLICITY in storytelling

Jan is an award-winning German writer/director and dramaturg. He studied screenwriting at the German Film and Television Academy Berlin (DFFB) and holds an MA in directing from the Polish National Film School in Lodz (PWSFTviT).

For many years now, Jan works internationally as a mentor for other screenwriters to support them during their story development process and teaches storytelling at the Polish National Film School and at the German Film and TV Academy Berlin (DFFB).

I believe in the FUTURE of Armenian Cinema

A very well-respected and reputable writer, film critic, translator, and editor who also serves as a member of the International Federation of Film Critics (FIPRESCI) Awards. Zaven was awarded with the 2015 President Prize for his long-term commitment and influential work in the film industry in Armenia. Zaven’s accolades span over two decades.

I believe in INSPIRATION

Viken is an experienced technology executive who has lived, studied, worked and lectured in half a dozen countries on three continents and is also fluent in eight languages.  A recipient in 2012 of HM Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for his contributions and services to Canada, he is a professional engineer who has worked for Canada’s top aerospace, telecommunications and IT innovation companies.  He is also a human rights’ activist and an expert in long term grassroots policy initiatives for the improvement of the lives of citizenry.

Viken’s published works include essays in online and traditional Armenian media as well as poems in an anthology of modern Armenian poetry; already in the early nineties, he published academic research that correctly predicted all the long- term future impacts of rapidly evolving technology on global education markets.  He continues to fulfill several advisory and international jury roles for Armenian and non-Armenian projects and organizations in business, academic, government policy and literary settings.  He is particularly proud of being the first project manager of the TUMO Center having worked with the visionary couple Sam and Sylva Simonians to bring together the initial team that made the dream a reality.

One of Viken’s main interests are Armenian studies and he continues to research and lecture extensively on the topic. 

 Viken is a major contributor to the creative team of the film project Revival.

I believe in COMBINING FORCES

Hasmik Avetisyan is a Strategy Consultant based in Berlin, Germany. Hasmik helps businesses and senior leaders worldwide set up and run successful large-scale transformation / turnaround programs. She started exploring film industry almost a decade ago acting in short movies, commercials and getting bit parts in larger productions as a hobby while being an Economics student.

The growing filmmakers’ network and love for working behind the camera eventually landed her first film production jobs at student projects. While focusing on her consulting career in subsequent years, in 2018 she teamed up with Jivan Avetisyan and Fish eye Art Cultural Foundation with the vision of creating high-quality festival films that are also commercially viable. Hasmik holds an MSc. Degree in Economics and Management from Humboldt University of Berlin.

We believe in VISUAL STORYTELLING through coustumes

Vicken, a native Californian graduated with a Bachelor of Architecture from the Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-ARC) and received his Master of Fine Arts in Fashion from the Academy of Art University, in San Francisco, CA. Vicken’s approach to design is at the synthesis of fashion and architecture.

Kyung Hwa Kim, a native of Seoul, Korea, graduated from SookMyung Women’s University where she received her Bachelor of Fine Arts and Master of Fine Arts in Arts and Crafts. Kyung Hwa pursued a career in teaching and design and later returned to academia to complete yet another Master of Fine Arts in Fashion Design from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco.

The union of these two professions has opened the door to exploring the topography and the dynamics of the human body both in motion and at rest, channeled through the construction of the garment.

I believe films can INFLUENCE viewers

A native Californian, Arthur is the founder of EFP Realty through its exclusive relationship with John Hart Real Estate. Arthur specializes in the acquisition and sales of commercial and residential investment property. Arthur is also a 20-year veteran investment advisor with sharp business acumen for real estate investing.

Arthur’s involvement with film began in 2014 with Jivan Avetisyan’s previous international award-winning film, Tevanik. Arthur also played an instrumental role in the making of Jivan Avetisyan’s second feature film, The Last Inhabitant, to later become the Supervisor Producer for Jivan’s third feature film, Gate to Heaven. Arthur’s financial background and his strategic planning skills have helped tremendously in making key business decisions for our films.

 Arthur will now serve as the Associate Producer for Revival.

I believe film can ENLIGHTEN and impact society

A native Californian, Garo R. Madenlian, Esq. is a partner at Kevorkian and Madenlian LLP with years of experience as a Deputy District Attorney where as a prosecutor Garo honed his trial skills and secured impressive results with numerous jury verdicts in his favor. Garo focuses his practice in the areas of criminal defense and personal injury as well as employment law, family law, and living trusts.

Garo played a key role in the making of Jivan Avetisyan’s second feature film, The Last Inhabitant, to later become the Supervisor Producer for Jivan’s third feature film, Gate to Heaven. Garo’s legal background has been instrumental in giving legal advice as well as finalizing agreements with actors, producers, sales agents, and distributors.

Garo will serve as the Associate Producer for Revival.

I believe in the BIG PICTURE

Raffi Keuhnelian is a Canadian-Armenian, born in Montreal, living in Yerevan. He is the co-founder and CEO of iNexxus.com, a digital marketing and creative agency with offices in Montreal and in Yerevan. The company has been operating in Yerevan since 2013 and currently employs over 15 young professionals from Armenia and the Diaspora. Raffi Keuhnelian is also the CEO and co-founder of MusicPromoToday.com, a digital music marketing agency, focusing on promoting artists and labels. 

Raffi Keuhnelian has been a member of the Forbes Agency Council and the Young Entrepreneur Council since 2017. His publications have been featured on major outlets such as Forbes, HuffingtonPost, and Mashable. Raffi is also involved with many different Armenian organizations and programs, he is a board member of Pahapan.org; an NGO that builds rescue shelters for children in schools across border villages in Tavush, Armenia. 

He is also the founder of ArtsakhStrong.am; a humanitarian and development program built to promote Armenians from the Diaspora to come volunteer in Armenia and also to provide aid and support to people affected by the war. A dedicated Armenian, Raffi Keuhnelian brings his knowledge and experience to ideas he believes.

I believe film is the single GREATEST ART FORM

Armen Karaoghlanian is the founder of Armenian Film Society, a non-profit organization dedicated to shining a spotlight on Armenian films and filmmakers. Armenian Film Society has held events with filmmakers such as Atom Egoyan, Mardik Martin, Sev Ohanian, and others.

Armen Karaoghlanian is a graduate of the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts and has an extensive background in film and marketing. In his career, he has been featured on Complex, Fast Company, Hypebeast, Filmmaker Magazine, and Indiewire.

I believe in FORGING OUR OWN HISTORY

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Van Der Megerdichian attended Holy Martyrs Armenian High School and went on to receive his formal education at UCLA. During his time at UCLA, Van interned at the Republic of Armenia’s Ministry of Economy and the United Nations office in Yerevan, Armenia where he worked at the UNHCR and UNDP agencies. He graduated Phi Beta Kappa and cum laude from UCLA with a departmental honors degree in History and a minor in Armenian Studies, while also receiving college honors. 

During his time at UCLA, Van also joined The Strategic Insights Group, a Los Angeles-based consultancy. He later went on to establish Zartonk Media, a new-age independent Armenian multimedia news outlet. Van is currently a research fellow at the Philos Project and a student at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs studying international finance and economic policy.

My goal is to create films that will strongly appeal to the international audience and to do so, it is extremely important to create co-production projects that tell Armenian stories incorporated with international elements, including locations. I plan to shoot the film Revival in several locations because it takes place in Armenia/Artsakh, France, Iceland, Jerusalem.

As an Armenian film director, my main objective is to tell a powerful, true and honest story that can resonate with many viewers regardless of their own identity and religion. I have presented fragments and glimpses of stories that I have heard, read and witnessed at different times. In a sense, the film is based on true stories and historical events that are all accurate. The narratives are intertwined in an interesting way and become a part of a completed single continuous chain.

With conviction, I want my films to continue to provide hope to the audience, help facilitate their own personal journeys while valuing every living moment, and inspire a strong determination to achieve their dreams. 

– Jivan Avetisyan

1. What is the film about?

In a story, where true identity is born out of the darkness of the past, the plot follows one woman’s secret which forces three destinies to intertwine when a diasporan young robotics student living in France is determined to root out the truth of his father’s wartime death in Artsakh… his girlfriend, a young Frenchwoman sets out to reunite with her estranged volcanologist father in Iceland to trace her indigenous Canadian roots… his esteemed French professor, a descendant of a Holocaust survivor, reclaims his abandoned Jewish roots in Israel in search of the meaning of life. Along the way, the hardships they face force them to make sacrifices that bring them closer to their true identities.

2. When will the film production begin?

Production is slated for Fall 2022

3. When will the movie be released?

Earmarked for Fall 2024 in theatres near you. Yes, there is a process involved. The key is to find the best distribution company that fits our needs. Once a deal is made, then a release date is announced.

4. Is there any big-name talent in the film?

Of course! We have many talented and well-regarded Armenian actors and actresses that will make great appearances in the film along with an international cast. More to come!

5. How is the budget determined?

The budget is determined based on our past practices of making our previous films. Additionally, each producer from his or her respective country has to provide a cost analysis based on the needs of the production. These cost analyses are then taken into consideration when creating a budget.

6. When will my perks be available?

Once the film is completed in 2024.

7. How will I get my digital download?

When the time arrives, we will forward you an e-mail with a link to download the film.

8. When will the DVDs be shipped and/or become available?

We will let you know when the time arrives that we would like to send you your DVD. We always deliver on our promises!