Armenian Women in Film and Entertainment

In honor of International Women's Day, join Armenian Film Society on Thursday, March 13 for the third edition of our Armenian Women in Film and Entertainment panel, moderated by Sona Movsesian.

In this panel discussion, a group of leading Armenian women will share their experience of what it is like to work in the film and entertainment industries, including details on their backgrounds, their journey to their current roles, as well as success, failures, and lessons learned along the way.

The panel will consist of Helen Kalognomos, Diana Madison, Ramela Ohanian, and Natalie Shirinian.

Sponsored by PTD Business Management

Proceeds from ticket sales will go directly to the development of Armenian Film Society's programs.

Program

7:30pm: Opening remarks

7:45pm: Panel discussion

9pm: Social hour at bar/lounge of LOOK Cinemas. Food and drinks will be available for purchase.

Helen Kalognomos

Helen Kalognomos began her career in the entertainment industry after making a radical career change from teaching to makeup artistry in 2005. By 2007 she joined the makeup artist's union and began working on TV and commercials. In 2009, driven by an interest in playing Armenian characters on stage, Helen joined the cast of The Big Bad Armo Show created by Lory Tatoulian in which she performs til this day. In 2020 she launched her first online video as her character “Clodette” and has since collaborated with many other Armenian content creators. In 2021 she appeared in Hello Mother, a short film written and directed by Natalie Shirinian for which she won a Best Actress Award at the 2022 LA Documentary Film Festival. Helen’s grandmother Helen Gregorian was a seamstress for legendary Bob Mackie, her great uncle Michael Bayan was a member of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, and her famous brother Alex Kalognomos has been working in the entertainment industry as an actor and event producer for decades.

Diana Madison

Diana Madison is a filmmaker, actress, and beauty entrepreneur bridging digital media, beauty, and Hollywood storytelling. She founded one of the largest digital media studios on YouTube, amassing 3 million followers and 21 billion views before selling it to a major media conglomerate in 2020. She co-created and starred in Glam Masters on Lifetime with Kim Kardashian and launched Diana Madison Beauty, now sold at Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale’s and Macys. Her production company is currently producing There Is No Place Like Home, a documentary on the Artsakh War. Diana is set to star in the upcoming independent film Other Side of Fame. She is also in pre-production for her upcoming movie, A Very Armenian M**der Mystery.

Ramela Ohanian

Ramela Ohanian is a Partner in Sheppard Mullin’s Entertainment, Technology, and Advertising practice group. Recognized by The Hollywood Reporter and Variety, Ramela represents studios, producers, tech companies, and networks on a variety of transactional matters related to digital media, television, AI and emerging technologies, podcasts, and feature films. Her 7-year practice at Sheppard Mullin includes a focus on the development and production of projects in the United States and abroad, including the handling of talent agreements, major first look and overall agreements, and complex rights acquisitions. Prior to joining Sheppard Mullin, Ramela was a lead production attorney at the media company Awesomeness, where she managed marketing deals with brands, agencies, and talent.

Natalie Shirinian

Natalie Shirinian is a director, writer, producer, and actor. She is the co-founder of Not All Films, alongside her wife, and has produced works such as INTERIOR MOTIVES, PAREV MAMA, and BREAKUP TEXT, which she starred in and executive produced alongside Academy Award-winning producer David Dinerstein. She most recently produced the short documentary ALOK, directed by Alex Hedison and executive produced by Jodie Foster. The film premiered at multiple national Academy Award-qualifying festivals including the Sundance Film Festival and was one of only three short films to be screened at the Telluride Film Festival. She is currently in pre-production on her debut feature film, PONCHIK, which she wrote and will direct, starring and executive produced by Angela Sarafyan. She is also in post-production on ROOM OF THE ABSOLUTE, a documentary co-directed with Elizabeth Baudouin, chronicling an artist's journey through war-torn Ukraine. Natalie Shirinian is a member of the Screen Actors Guild.

Sona Movsesian

Sona Movsesian is an executive assistant, author, and media personality, who has been the personal assistant of late-night talk show host Conan O'Brien since 2009. Sona has become a fan favorite and a regular feature on all things Team Coco. She currently co-hosts Conan O'Brien's podcast, Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend. In 2022, she released a humorous how-to book titled The World's Worst Assistant, which became a New York Times Best Seller.

Parking

Validated parking is available at the Exchange Parking Garage at 115 North Artsakh Avenue, located directly across LOOK Cinemas. $1 for 4 hours with validation.

Who is this event for?

This event is open to everyone— regardless of gender, industry experience, or background. This is an opportunity to engage with and learn from inspiring Armenian women in film and entertainment, whether you are a filmmaker, an aspiring creative, a student, or simply a film lover. It’s the perfect space to network, connect with like-minded individuals, gain career insights, and hear firsthand stories from established professionals. You will find a welcoming and supportive community whether you are looking for guidance, inspiration, or just an engaging discussion.

How does my ticket purchase support the Armenian Film Society?

Every ticket purchased for an Armenian Film Society event is more than just admission to a screening or discussion— it’s a direct investment in the growth and future of our organization. 100% of ticket proceeds go toward developing and expanding Armenian Film Society's programs, ensuring that we continue to foster a thriving community for film lovers and filmmakers alike. These funds allow us to host engaging events, bring in award-winning filmmakers, and provide educational opportunities that elevate Armenian cinema and its storytellers.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

LOOK Cinemas, 128 Artsakh Avenue, Glendale, United States