GLENDALE – The Armenian American Museum and Cultural Center of California is excited to announce the next installment of the Young Leaders Council Speaker Series, featuring Sev Ohanian, an acclaimed screenwriter, producer, and founder of Proximity Media. The event will take place on Thursday, April 10, 2025 at the Glendale Central Library Auditorium, bringing together young professionals, community leaders, and aspiring creatives for an engaging discussion on storytelling, filmmaking, and navigating the entertainment industry.
Sev Ohanian co-wrote and produced (alongside his wife and producing partner Natalie Qasabian) Searching, released by Sony Screen Gems in 2018, which grossed $75 million worldwide and led to the sequel Missing. Ohanian also co-wrote and produced Run for Lionsgate, which became Hulu’s most-watched film upon its premiere. As an executive producer, his credits include the Academy Award-winning Judas and the Black Messiah, Space Jam: A New Legacy, Creed III, and Stephen Curry: Underrated. He has been recognized with the Sundance Institute Amazon Studios Narrative Producer Award and was named one of Hollywood Reporter’s 35 Under 35 (alongside his sister, Ramela Ohanian, Partner at Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP). His latest production, Sinners, directed by Ryan Coogler and starring Michael B. Jordan, will be released by Warner Bros. on April 18, 2025 in theaters worldwide.
Prior to this success, Ohanian’s first ever movie was the no-budget film he shot on his father’s home video camera titled My Big Fat Armenian Family, which he premiered at Glendale High School in 2008. Based on his popular online short videos, the movie told the story of a cultural clash between Armenian immigrant parents and their Americanized teenage children, all unfolding over a weekend getaway to “Palmeh Spreeng.”
The Young Leaders Council Speaker Series will provide attendees with a rare opportunity to hear Ohanian’s journey from film school to producing major studio projects. He will share insights on storytelling, perseverance, and the importance of cultural representation in Hollywood.
“Storytelling has the power to shape perspectives, amplify voices, and inspire change,” stated Ohanian. “The Young Leaders Council Speaker Series is a special platform to engage and uplift the next generation, and I look forward to connecting with young professionals, sharing my journey in filmmaking, and discussing the importance of determination, representation, and creating stories that matter.”
The event will conclude with an interactive Q&A session, allowing attendees to engage directly with Ohanian and gain further insight into his career and creative process.
To register for free, visit ArmenianAmericanMuseum.org/SpeakerSeries. Registration is required to attend.
The Young Leaders Council Speaker Series is organized by the Armenian American Museum’s Young Leaders Council, a dynamic group dedicated to promoting the museum’s mission, fostering community connections, and empowering young professionals.
“The Young Leaders Council Speaker Series is dedicated to education, inspiration, and cultural connection,” stated Young Leaders Council Chair Aleen Ohanian. “By providing young professionals with opportunities to learn from accomplished leaders like Sev Ohanian, we aim to empower the next generation to embrace their heritage, pursue their passions, and create meaningful contributions to their communities and industries.”
The Young Leaders Council Speaker Series aims to connect emerging Armenian American professionals with distinguished leaders across various industries, creating a space for mentorship, networking, and collaboration.
