Richy Festa

Hrachya Vardanyan is an Armenian film director whose critically acclaimed film, 36 Immortals, he brought him much attention. He comes from a family of driven individuals who have instilled in him the drive to go after his dreams. Born in Yerevan, Armenia on October 5, 1985, into a family with a father who is an ophthalmic surgeon and a pharmacist mother, he grew up with the idea that he would go into the medical field. Thus, he received a medical degree from Yerevan State Medical University in 2008. However, because he had moved from Yerevan to Hollywood at the age of 12 for 2 years, he was introduced to what the future might hold for him if he was to pursue a career in film. Even though he received the MD title, he was still very passionate about having a future in film. His first big project and one which was closest to his heart was 36 Immortals which was completed in 2008. It received many awards in Armenia from private organizations and was acknowledged by the government of Armenia for keeping Armenian history alive in cinema. When Hrach decided to move to Los Angeles alone, he sought to make a name for himself and learn the business of filmmaking in the film capital of the world. At this time, he has completed academic studies in film and has trained with directors such as Quentin Tarantino and Martin Scorsese. 36 Immortals will be featured at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2010.