Thursday, June 16, 2016 @ 7:30 pm,

ARPA Presentation by Roper Kupelian

In the Aram and Anahis D. Boolghoorjian Hall of the Merdinian School:

13330 Riverside Dr. Sherman Oaks, CA 91403

Abstract: “Artists use lies to tell the truth. Yes, I created a lie. But because you believed it, you found something true about yourself.”— Alan Moore, V for Vendetta Is all news storytelling? Is the New Media to be taken as entertainment vs. empirical truth? Does Art lie to tell a Truth? In fact, life experience, surroundings and cognitive abilities shape what is accepted as truth. There is a difference between a transcendent truth, and the complete truth about a particular event. Those that create entertainment about historic events know this too well, and news sources seem to embody this approach. Azerbaijan’s blitzkrieg upon Armenian held positions in the Caucasus was coupled with the simultaneous blitz of propaganda upon Western Media Outlets, causing confusion worldwide. Calling any reporting ��?objective’ seems too far a stretch even in the internet age. Little has changed. Dark Forest in the Mountains, the 1994 war-zone documentary about the war in Nagorno-Karabakh was produced in response to the conflict being underreported and misrepresented by the Western media. Dark Forest has been seen by hundreds of thousands worldwide. Using a combination of Visual Effects techniques, reenactment, and actual reportage, its animated introduction was frequently upgraded to better visualize the history of the region, and give the needed context behind the war. This presentation will focus on the challenge of telling the story of ignored and often misunderstood cultures, such as Armenians, within the context of Western Entertainment media. The award-winning East of Byzantium graphic novel series and upcoming documentary will also be presented, with an insider��?s look at unique approach and creation techniques. The tools we have today have liberated the filmmaker but distribution outlets, with their own agendas, have imposed their own rules of public consumption. Passion and perseverance must be coupled with support strategy if Armenia’s story is to be told..

Roger Kupelian has been working in the indie film biz since 1992, and the Digital Effects industry since 1995. He is well versed in many forms of visual media, having contributed everything from storyboards production illustrations, and concepts to final shots for major film projects. He has also specialized in creating digital environments and structures too expensive or ARPA INSTITUTE, 18106 Miranda St, Tarzana CA 91356, USA . Phone (818) 453-0618