Jeff Kalousdian

Moved to Armenia from California in the 1990s. Worked on various projects, including those at UMCOR and as country director of the Jinishian Memorial Foundation Armenia office from 2003-2005.

2011 Lillian & Varnum Paul Screenwriting Award

Jeff Kalousdian and Kraig Kuzerian Receive ADAA's $10,000 Screenwriting Award

LOS ANGELES - In a rare tie,screenwriters Jeff Kalousdian and Kraig Kuzirian shared the 2011 Lillian & Varnum Paul Screenwriting Award, which was announced October 30, at ADAA'sannual awards event, held this year at the VIP Library Room of the Pasadena Playhouse.

The $10,000 award was presented by ADAA Board of Directors Member and actress Karen Kondazian, who established the prize in honor of her parents, Lillian & Varnum Paul, via the Western Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church, under the auspices of Primate Archbishop Hovnan Derderian.

The intimate, invitation-only event included high-profile Armenian and American professionals from the entertainment industry.

Entertainment broadcaster Jill Simonian served as mistress of ceremonies. She announced a proclamation from State Senator Kevin DeLeon honoring the ADAA. Founder and President, writer/producer Bianca Bagatourian, gave theaudience an update on the many activities of ADAA, now in its seventh year of operation.

This year's Paul Screenwriting Award finalists were Missak Artinian of Virginia,for `Fading In and Out of Love'; Jeff Kalousdian of San Francisco, for `The Florist'; and Kraig Kuzirian of Pasadena, for`Bluebeard.'

The prize was decided by an Honorary Jury, including actor David Alpay (Ararat), filmmaker Stephane Kazandjian (The Monster of Paris); screenwriter Steven Bagatourian (AmericanGun); and screenwriter Nat Mauldin (The In-Laws). Screenplays on Armenian themes were submitted from around the world and evaluated by a professional first-round jury, which decided the three finalists.

The contest was administered by ADAA Board of Trustees member and writer Kristen Lazarian.

Also awarded the same evening was ADAA's Armenian Star Award, which went to veteran film producer Arthur Sarkissian, whose credits include the Rush Hour film series with Chris Tucker and Jackie Chan, and While You Were Sleeping, with Sandra Bullock.