about

Inspired by true events, this is a film about a childhood friendship, torn apart by the horrific Hamidian massacres infiltrated by the Ottoman Empire.

A brave Turkish woman at a time of dire prejudice risks her own life and the life of her family to save her best friend who is hunted down for her religious beliefs. This epic portrayal spans from 1881 to 1915, Constantinople, taking us on an emotional journey to the last concert given by Archbishop Komitas.

A biographical film which takes place on the backdrop of the sacred and ancient music of Archbishop Solomon, also known as Komitas.

the film team

Arman Nshanian, Director

Arman Nshanian has been directing, producing and acting for 30 years. He has directed over 20 theatrical productions with the largest national theaters in and around Armenia. Arman is specialized in bridging foreign productions from around the world who wish to film large scale films in Armenia and its surrounding territories. Songs of Solomon was Arman's directorial debut in film and it went on to win prizes in multiple international film festivals and became the official selection for the country of Armenia at the 93rd Academy Awards.

Nick Vallelonga, Producer

Nick Vallelonga is best known for winning two Academy Awards and two Golden Globes for Best Original Screenplay and Best Picture for GREEN BOOK, the true story about Nick's father, Tony Lip, which starred Viggo Mortensen, Mahershala Ali and Linda Cardellini. GREEN BOOK was released by Universal and Steven Spielberg's Dreamworks, and has earned over $340 Million Worldwide. Other recent credits include; SONGS OF SOLOMON, which Nick produced with Asko Akopyan and Director Arman Nshanian, which was released in 2020 as the Official Selection of Armenia for Academy Awards and Golden Globes consideration.

Asko Akopyan, Producer

The former talent agent is quickly becoming one of the most sought after international film producers in Hollywood by being the first American producer to shoot a narrative feature film in his birthplace of Armenia, Yerevan. Asko built a name for himself amongst casting directors, landing his clients roles in hit television series such as Criminal Minds, Major Crimes, The Mentalist and feature films like The Fault in our Stars and Divergent. His love for stories and supporting his clients' endeavors pushed him to form Oscar Gold Productions in 2013. Since then he has produced 5 completed feature films, securing worldwide distribution for all of them. He recently produced the film 45 Days: The Fight For A Nation depicting the humanisation of the conflict in Armenia, in 2020.

AJ Rickert-Epstein, Cinematography

Anthony J. Rickert-Epstein (A.J.) was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio and has been making films since he was eight years old. He attended Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, graduating at age twenty with a Bachelor's degree in Mass Communications and a minor in Film Studies. Today, his work can be seen in numerous feature-length films, television shows, music videos, and web series. Most recently he was editing the period piece "Songs of Solomon", which was the official 2020 Academy Awards submission by the country of Armenia for best international feature film, best cinematography and best editing. He recently completed work on 45 Days: The Fight For A Nation, a documentary film, depicting the 2020 conflict in Armenia.

Sivart and Karo Kavoukjian, Story By & Executive Producer

Silvart has dedicated her life to her passion of music and writing. Born in Armenia, she spent her youth studying the art of music which led to her eventually moving to Los Angeles where she continued her education in business. Here she met her husband Karo Kavoukjian and had 3 children, Rebecca, Harutun & Sona. Her mission to install identity awareness, cultural and traditional values into children living in the diaspora pours into everything she does. Sylvia hopes to continue her stories through “Songs of Solomon” which was inspired by her grandmother, a survivor of the Armenian Genocide. Sylvia hopes to continue making movies that allow her to inspire those in the diaspora and more. She is also working on a musical called “Annie” that will be broadcast in December of 2022. Karo Kavoukjian is the Executive Producer of “Songs of Solomon” and is dedicated to bringing his wife's stories to life.

PRESS

Songs of Solomon was Armenia‘s Official selection for the 93rd Academy Awards for Best International Feature Film category. As mentioned in Variety, Golden Globes Entertainment News, Yahoo, Medium, Deadline and IMDb.