"The Priestess" Grauman's Premiere Sets Spotlight on Vigen Chaldranian and Armenian History

Hollywood, CA, February 13, 2007 --(PR.com)-- "The Priestess" combined the talents of Armenian based ArmenFilm Studios and American formed Symphony Studios to mark a place in history as the first American-Armenian collaboration. Chaldranian arrived in Hollywood style to an invigorated one thousand plus crowd of mostly Armenian enthusiasts, joined by his fellow producers Mel Metcalfe III, Sahak Ekshian, Garen Vartanyan and Jovina Shahbazian. Also attending was the film's American music composer, the talented and distinguished, Nathan Lanier.

"The Priestess" debuted successfully at Grauman's to a sold out audience with overwhelming support and turnout by the Armenian community. Special guest invited to the premiere included Los Angeles City Council President Eric Garcetti and Hollywood Senior Field Deputy Baydsar Thomasian. Ms. Thomasian, of Armenian descent herself, played a major role in orchestrating this red carpet event, presenting Chaldranian with an award from the city. The night's fusion of culture and filmmaking was a celebration amongst an array of Hollywood attendees to include actors Matthew Currie Holmes, Mark Pellegrino, Quinn Redeker, Elizabeth Sung and producer Maria Baltazzi.

"...A languid meditation on the first Christian nation told with such an original point of view, it felt almost like The Da Vinci Code done right..." - FFWD Magazine.

"The Priestess," a thought provoking journey, was inspired by Armenia's Fourth Century manuscript and history as the first nation to accept Christianity. Chaldranian's exploration of this story breaks the traditional mold as it unfolds from a woman's perspective to carry a relatable universal message regardless of sex or religion - a big part of the film's draw.

"...A beautiful tale of redemption and sacrifice told from a startling and unique point of view." - Matthew Currie Holmes, actor.

"The story of a woman living in a male dominated world, imprisoned with her internal thoughts of a passion, never to be actualized is so contemporary – it is spoken through the voices of my female clients in my psychotherapy office every day." - Jenni Silberstein, Ph.D., M.A., M.F.T., LMFT, Psychotherapist and Founder of Center For Creative Psychology.

As a Armenian director, it was of equally importance to Chaldranian that "The Priestess" be well received by the general public and Hollywood film industry, in addition to the Armenian community, possibly the toughest critics of the film's subject matter. This patriotic community has waited four years for the much-anticipated film about this historic Armenia milestone, and audience reviews showed no disappointment.

To further signify the importance of the film, the release of "The Priestess" could not be more perfectly timed, as internationally, 2007 marks "The Year of Armenia." With a story symbolic of Armenia's genesis, framed within a five-star production that illustrates the nation's filmmaking future, "The Priestess" is the quintessential example of this Armenian tribute and celebration.

“...The Priestess is...an inspiring testimony from the best talents from two countries. I walked away invigorated, resonating a new mantra - that anything is possible if it’s done from your heart...” - Elizabeth Sung, actress/director/writer.

Additional screenings are scheduled for The Alex Theatre, February 16 and 23, 8:00pm.

For tickets call 818.2243.ALEX or visit www.alextheatre.org

For more film, screening and ticket information and to view the trailer, please visit the official "The Priestess" Movie website:

http://www.thepriestessmovie.com/

Symphony Studios LLC.
10600 Culver Blvd
Culver City CA 90232
310.559.9997
info@thepriestessmovie.com

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