Armenia – Ancient, Yet Attractive

By Sona Movsisyan

Talking about Armenia we can’t forget about the famous phrase which is “Armenia is an open-air museum.” To visit Armenia it means to travel back in history and feel the spirit of more than 41 centuries. Armenia is rich with its historical churches, monasteries, monuments, and magnificent nature. This is the country which was the first to adopt Christianity as a state religion. Traveling to Armenia you will be surprised with the traditions, culture, religion, arts and crafts, delicious cuisine and sincere hospitality. Most of all, the warmth and friendly manner of the people will make your visit unforgettable. Once you visit Armenia, you will be think of your next visit because one visit will not be enough for you.

There are many attractions in Armenia and one of the most famous recent attractions is the Monastery of Tatev with its newly constructed rope-way. One of the unique features of the monastery is the St. Astvatsadzin 1087 which is built on the rampart and accessed by a steep flight of steps from within the complex. The monumental Saint Poghos Petros, 895/906 is the focal point of the complex and, as the main cathedral of Syunik principality. And of course the breathtaking ropeway, called Wings of Tatev, which is included in the Guinness World Records Book as the longest aerial tramway built in one section. The length of it is 5.7 kilometers and this cableway stretches between Halidzor and Tatev Monastery. It was being built nearly 3 years and now it is one of the top attractions of tourists.

Next attraction is Lover’s Park. It is located on Baghramyan Avenue. It is small but very beautiful and comfortable park. You can spend your time there with your family because it is the best place for children. There are small bridges across artificial small water pools.

Another newly constructed tourist attraction is St Grigor Lusavorich (Illuminator) church in Yerevan. The huge Cathedral is a complex consisting of three churches: the Cathedral (Main Church) with 1700 seats and the Chapels of St. King Tiridates and of Saint Ashkhen the Queen. It is one of the biggest and lightened churches in Armenia.

If you are fond of walking Northern Avenue is a great place to spend the evening. Here you will see modern buildings. It is the most visited streets in Yerevan where young people like to spend their free time. Walking along the Avenue you will see many brand shops and new cafes. If you walk up Northern Avenue you will appear in Liberty Square and see the Opera House. The building was designed by the famous Armenian architect Alexander Tamanian. If you continue walking, you will find Cascade Complex – a giant stairway in Yerevan. Inside the Cascade, underneath the exterior steps are a couple of escalators going all way long of Cascade, where you can see some amazing works of modern art. Also make sure to visit Cafesjian Center for the Arts. At the top of this huge white stairwell you can visit Victory Park which is full of attractions for your kids and you will enjoy the picturesque view of Yerevan and Mount Ararat.

If you walk down Northern Avenue, you will find yourself in the heart of Yerevan that is Republic Square where the Governmental buildings are located. And in the evenings you can enjoy the singing and colorful fountains.

Article Source: Armenia – Ancient, Yet Attractive

Lillian & Varnum Paul 2013 Screenwriting Award Finalists

THE LILLIAN & VARNUM PAUL 2013 SCREENWRITING AWARD
FINALISTS AND JURY ANNOUNCED

LOS ANGELES, California – The Armenian Dramatic Arts Alliance (ADAA) is pleased to announce the three finalists of the 4th Biennial Lillian & Varnum Paul 2013 Screenwriting Award: “1915,” by Garin K. Hovannisian & Alec Mouhibian; “The 13th Image,” by Yervand Kochar in collaboration with Jeani Di Carlo; and “The Second Journey,” by Levon Minasian & Eric de Rocquefeuil.

Screenplay submissions were received from across the United States, Europe, and Armenia. Entries were required to be full-length, unproduced film scripts written in English and based on Armenian themes. The screenplays submitted were of high quality, which made the selections difficult for the first round judges, all of whom are industry professionals.

The three finalist screenplays will be evaluated by an esteemed honorary jury: Anahid Nazarian (Producer, American Zoetrope Productions), Michael Goorjian (Emmy-Winning Actor) and Hank Saroyan (Emmy Winning TV Producer).

The winner of the $10,000 grand prize will be announced at ADAA’s awards event on November 8, 2013 at the Writers Guild of America Theater in Beverly Hills, along with a high-profile panel discussion for young artists navigating their careers in Hollywood — Making the Connection: Linking Armenians in the Entertainment Industry. The panel will feature high-ranking industry professionals from film studios. This is a rare opportunity to learn key strategies straight from current industry leaders. A wine and cheese reception will follow. Tickets are $10/person and available on http://www.itsmyseat.com//events/232924.html.

The Armenian Dramatic Arts Alliance’s mission is to make the Armenian voice heard on the world stage through the dramatic arts of theatre and film. The organization accomplishes this mission by supporting playwrights and screenwriters and providing production opportunities, research tools, networking resources and writing awards.

The Lillian and Varnum Paul Screenwriting Award is administered by ADAA through the generosity of the Paul Family through the Western Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church, under the auspices of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese.

In addition to the $10,000 Lillian and Varnum Paul Screenwriting Award, ADAA administers the $10,000 William Saroyan Prize for Playwriting, the deadline for which is April 15, 2014.

For more information about ADAA, its activities and how to contribute to its important mission, please visit http://www.itsmyseat.com/events/232924.html or www.armeniandrama.org.