Two-time Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Ryan Coogler will honor his longtime creative collaborator Sev Ohanian with an induction into the Armenian Film Hall of Fame, hosted by the Armenian Film Society (AFS). The tribute will take place during the closing night AFS Gala on September 7, 2025, at Vertigo Event Venue in Glendale, California, marking AFS’ 10th anniversary.
Earlier that day, Coogler and Ohanian will participate in a special conversation at Los Angeles’ historic Alex Theatre, reflecting on their friendship, career journey, and the impact of Armenian storytelling in Hollywood.
A Decade of Armenian Film Society
Founded in 2015, the Armenian Film Society is a nonprofit dedicated to supporting Armenian filmmakers and showcasing Armenian cinema globally. With branches in Los Angeles and London, AFS has partnered with American Cinematheque, Academy Museum, and Vidiots, becoming a central hub for Armenian creative expression.
“We are thrilled to mark 10 incredible years,” said AFS founder Armen Karaoghlanian. “Sev Ohanian and Ryan Coogler have transformed Hollywood through their collaboration and shared vision, and we’re proud to celebrate their impact.”
Sev Ohanian’s Groundbreaking Career
A producer, screenwriter, and USC alum, Sev Ohanian has helped shape contemporary thrillers like:
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Searching (2018)
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Run (2020)
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Missing (2023)
All co-written with director Aneesh Chaganty and produced alongside Natalie Qasabian, Ohanian’s wife and creative partner. Run became Hulu’s most-watched original film on debut.
Ohanian is also co-founder of Proximity Media with Ryan Coogler and Zinzi Coogler, dedicated to event-driven storytelling across film, TV, and audio. Their first feature, Judas and the Black Messiah, earned six Oscar nominations, winning Best Supporting Actor (Daniel Kaluuya) and Best Original Song (H.E.R.).
Other notable Proximity credits include:
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Space Jam: A New Legacy (2021)
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Marvel’s Ironheart (executive producers)
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Hurricane Katrina: Race Against Time (Nat Geo documentary)
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Sinners (2025) – A genre-blending thriller starring Michael B. Jordan in dual roles, grossing $360+ million globally
From Home Videos to Hollywood
Ohanian’s filmmaking journey began with his no-budget feature My Big Fat Armenian Family (2008), shot on his father’s home camera. Based on his viral short videos, the film humorously tackled generational conflict within Armenian-American families.
He continues to support Armenian artists through a scholarship fund launched with Qasabian and the Armenian Educational Foundation, funding aspiring filmmakers in Armenia.
“To be recognized by AFS is incredibly meaningful,” said Ohanian. “Armenians have a deep tradition of storytelling, and this organization has become a home for that legacy.”
Coogler & Ohanian: A Filmmaking Brotherhood
The duo met at USC’s School of Cinematic Arts, later teaming up on multiple projects that reshaped genre storytelling. Coogler’s career skyrocketed with:
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Fruitvale Station (2013) – Indie hit grossing $17M on a sub-$1M budget
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Black Panther (2018) – $1.3 billion worldwide
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Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022) – $800 million worldwide
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Creed III (2023) – $275 million worldwide
Their upcoming conversation at AFS’ 10th anniversary will highlight their creative bond and shared commitment to diverse, inclusive storytelling.
What’s Next
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Ohanian is producing Marvel’s Eyes of Wakanda (Disney+, Aug. 27)
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He’s also developing Chaganty’s thriller Doppelgänger, which landed at Skydance after a bidding war.
