On the morning of Tuesday, February 11, 2025, under the auspices of H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy of the United States, Ms. Tsvetana Paskaleva, award-winning Bulgarian documentarian and filmmaker, visited Rose and Alex Pilibos Armenian School in Hollywood. During her visit, Ms. Paskaleva met with students from the 10th, 11th, and 12th grades, as well as students from the 9th, 10th, and 11th grades of Armenian Mesrobian School in Pico Rivera.
The students had the opportunity to view Soldiers of the Land, one of the documentary films from Ms. Paskaleva’s series on the Artsakh Cause. The screening offered an in-depth exploration and understanding of the struggle for the liberation of Artsakh, which began in the late 1900s, shedding light on key moments and significant details of the movement. Also present at the gathering was Mrs. Tamar Tufenkian, Director of Armenian Programs of the Board of Regents.
The gathering commenced with opening remarks by Dr. Souzy Ohanian, Principal of Rose and Alex Pilibos Armenian School, who warmly welcomed the attendees and introduced Ms. Tsvetana Paskaleva. In her introduction, Dr. Ohanian emphasized Ms. Paskaleva’s significant contributions to documenting and reporting on the life, resilience, and struggles of Artsakh and its people over recent decades
Following the screening of Soldiers of the Land, students, inspired by the patriotic sentiments surrounding Artsakh, engaged in a thoughtful discussion with Ms. Paskaleva. They expressed their concerns about the fate and current situation of the indigenous Armenian population, who were displaced from their ancestral lands and Artsakh, now under the control of Azerbaijan since the 2020 war. Ms. Paskaleva responded with comprehensive and insightful answers, deepening the students’ historical understanding and enriching their knowledge of Artsakh’s recent history and ongoing struggles.
In his concluding remarks, H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian emphasized that this gathering served as a vital lesson in Armenian history. The Prelate reflected on the enduring efforts of both Armenian and foreign historians who have diligently documented the experiences and stories of the Armenian people across generations. H.E. Archbishop Khacherian commended Ms. Tsvetana Paskaleva for carrying forward this important legacy through her documentaries and recordings whose work has reached Armenian communities worldwide, bringing greater awareness to Artsakh and the struggles faced by its people. The Prelate praised Ms. Paskaleva’s unwavering commitment to historical and human justice, along with her passionate advocacy for Artsakh and its Armenian population through the powerful medium of film.
