YEREVAN (Noyan Tapan)–A documentary called "William Saroyan: the Man the Writer" produced by Fresno-native Paul Kalinian will be screened in Armenia for the first time from Sept. 17 to 21–at the Moscow Theater.
Kalinian–who is visiting Armenia for the first time–said that the documentary has been shown in 18 countries and has won eight awards–including the Philadelphia International Film Festival’s golden prize.
Saroyan and Kalinian had been friends since 1976. Following Saroyan’s death in 1981–Kalinian devoted his career to research and produce a documentary on the great writer.
For years–Kalinian worked to gather information about Saroyan–refurbish old photographs and re-record audio tapes of Saroyan readings and conversations–and in 1991–through funding from relatives–he produced the documentary.
Kalinian said that he has not sold the film yet–adding that several Jewish organizations have expressed interest in purchasing it.
The producer announced that he would like to give a copy of the film to every community in the world–as his contribution to Armenian history.
Dear Mr Kalinian,
First I like to congratulate you on the great work that you have done. I heard today that there will be showing of your documentary film but I can not find where exactly the even will take place. I am in Yerevan & you can contact me at: 095.79.31.98
I also like to request a copy of the film so that I can show it at our community centers and after church events.
My address is: ASBET BALANIAN
2401 ELM CIRCLE LANSDALE PA 19446 Cell: 267.934.0899 I will return to the US on OCT 27th 2019