ARPA ['a:pæ] -  the name of a river that flows through Armenia.

“As water provides a source of life and energy, so does art to the human soul.”
- Sylvia Minassian, Founder 

Established in 1995.

The first Arpa International Film Festival was produced by AFFMA in 1997 with a mission to cultivate cultural understanding and global empathy, creating a dynamic forum for international cinema with a special focus on the work of filmmakers who explore the issues of Diaspora, exile and multi-multiculturalism. A strong emphasis is placed on ideals of independent thought, artistic vision, cultural diversity and social understanding.

AFFMA has since become a bonafide art and film organization which could not have arrived at this auspicious occasion without the generous support of the Los Angeles film and art communities.