Worcester, Mass. (A.W.) — Worcester State University (WSU) will host the first Worcester Armenian Film Festival on Nov. 9.

The festival will feature Eric Nazarian’s “Bolis,” Bared Maronian’s “Orphans of the Genocide,” and Talin Avakian’s “Demi Pointe” and “Remembering Our Past, Building Our Future.” The filmmakers will be present for a discussion following the screenings.

The event is sponsored by the Armenian National Committee (ANC) of Central Massachusetts, the ARS Worcester “Knar” Chapter, ARF Worcester “Aram” Gomideh, AYF Worcester “Aram” Chapter, and the WSU Philosophy Department and its PH 263: Film and Philosophy courses.

“We are excited to make these important films available to the Worcester community. They exemplify the breadth of creativity by Armenian filmmakers,” said George Aghjayan, chair of the ARF Worcester Gomideh. “Worcester State has been a wonderful partner in offering Armenian educational and cultural programs over the years, and we are pleased to be hosting the film festival at the university,” he added.

“Bolis” won the Best Short Film Award at the Arpa (AFFMA) International Film Festival in LA. “Orphans of the Genocide” won a Telly Award and is a Regional Emmy Award Nominee, as well as a New York City Filmmakers Festival Official Selection. “Demi Pointe” won the Indie Soul Best Picture Award in the Boston International Film Festival.

The screenings will be held at the Ghosh Auditorium, the Science and Technology Building 102, at Worcester State University, from 12:30-5 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.