Come join us for a unique cultural experience celebrating the rich history of Armenian cinema at the historic Victoria Theatre. Immerse yourself in a collection of rare films spanning a century of Armenian storytelling, accompanied by the mesmerizing live cello performance by electric cellist Artyom Manukyan.

Date: Sun, Oct 20, 2024

Doors: 5:00 PM

Location: Victoria Theatre

Length: 65 minutes

Featuring a screening of Sergei Parajanov’s playful short documentary, “Hakob Hovnatanyan,” and a screening of the 1926 silent comedy, “Shor and Shorshor,” featuring a special improvised score by legendary cellist, Artyom Manukyan.

This event is co-presented by AGBU Arts, AGBU Silicon Valley, AGBU Young Professionals, Mother Armenia and the Cinema Foundation of Armenia.

About Artyom:

Artyom Manukyan is a renowned Armenian cellist known for blending classical, jazz, and contemporary music. His unique sound and virtuosity bridge traditional Armenian melodies with modern improvisation, captivating audiences worldwide and redefining the cello’s role in both solo and collaborative performances. Manukyan first made his name as a musician to watch in his home country and traveled the world as the youngest member of the BBC World Music Award-winning Armenian Navy Band.

About the filmmakers:

While Sergei Parajanov may be Armenian cinema’s most iconic and idiosyncratic filmmaker, the pioneering Hamo Bek-Nazaryan deserves more recognition as one of Parajanov’s true forebears, having made a series of artistically original, culturally defiant fiction films and documentaries within the constraints of Soviet Socialist Realism in the 1920s/30s. Both are icons of Armenian cinema—each with their own rich, visual language that paints a vibrant portrait of contemporary life in the region, and whose work still speaks to us today.

Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind event that combines the magic of cinema with the soul-stirring melodies of the cello. Grab your friends and family for an evening filled with beauty, emotion, and artistry.

The Victoria Theatre is the oldest operating theater in San Francisco, and is conveniently located across the street from BART. Parking garage available at 16th and Hoff as well as free street parking. Like any big city, San Francisco deals with issues like vandalism and theft. Wherever you park your car, no matter the time of day or night, take all valuables with you. If you love it, don’t leave it.