ARPA International Film Festival:

Outstanding local and international films, including works from USC, UCLA, Art Center and CSUN will be presented at the 11th Annual ARPA International Film Festival Oct. 24-26 at the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood. ARPA’s opening night premier will be J. Michael Hagopian’s final installment in his trilogy about the Armenian Genocide, titled “The River Ran Red.” Other highlights include an exclusive 90th birthday tribute to screen legend Rita Hayworth, featuring the first film that won her international acclaim, Rouben Mamoulian’s 1941 Academy Award-winning marvel of Technicolor filmmaking, “Blood and Sand.”

During the event ARPA will screen 49 films from 21 countries, including Armenia, Australia, Belize, Canada, China, Congo, Czech Republic, Ecuador, France, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Romania, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Tobago, Trinidad, Turkey, UK, USA, and Venezuela.

A partial list of ARPA’s 2008 Official Selection includes “Familiar Voices” with Mia Farrow; the world premier of Tadeh Daschi’s “The Witch of Portobello,” based on author Paulo Coelho’s novel of the same name; and “Strength and Honour,” starring Michael Madsen and Richard Chamberlain.

Each year, the festival recognizes individuals in the film industry with achievement and humanitarian awards. ARPA’s 2008 award recipients include Ted Braun, who will receive the Armin T. Wegner Award for his film “Darfur Now.” Actress and activist Mary Apick will receive the Arpa Foundation Award; and actor Marco Khan will be named Breakthrough Artist of the Year for his performances in “10,000 B.C”, “Iron Man”, and “Don’t Mess with Zohan.” Honorees and winners will be recognized at a ceremony hosted by Reelz Channel’s Jill Simonian, on Oct. 26 at the Egyptian Theatre, 6712 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood.

For schedule and tickets, call (323) 663-1882 or visit www.AFFMA.org.