Ruben Kochar

Ruben Kochar, renowned Armenian film director and writer, over several decades in productive life of filmmaking, raised in true avant-garde environment, in a home of a father, renowned Artist Ervand Kochar, has become a free thinker during and after the Soviet times, creating an impressive record of two dozen films, shorts, musicals, film ballets and features distinguished with high artistic approach. The winner of Best Director Award , Arpa International Film Festival (Los Angeles, 2013) for My Name Is Viola (2013), President's Award, Ajijik Internatioinal Film Festival (Mexico, 2001) for Herostratus (2001). Medal of Arsenal International Film Festival (Latvia, 1988) for the film ballet Lilit (1986), Grand Prix of Minsk Film Festival (Belarus, 1985) for Quartet (1985) and many more. Ruben Kochar graduated from Yerevan State Institute of Theatre and Cinematography, department of film directing in 1974 and advanced courses of Cinematography and Television in Moscow in 1980. Since 1983 Kochar is a pledged member of Soviet Guild of Directors. In 1985 was awarded "Lauriatte" for innovation style of film ballet series. In 1992 Ruben Kochar founded AITN (Armenian International Television Network) in the USA, ARPI daily cultural TV program airing in Los Angeles since 1992 and ARPI Video and Film Production in 1998. In 2003 he founded "Kochar Cultural Foundation" which aims to promote Armenian culture around the world, creating documentaries, organizing art exhibitions, screenings and other cultural events. Ruben Kochar is not only involved into filmmaking and television but also writing and painting. He started painting in his early 30's, under the influence of his father, Maestro Ervand Kochar.