AUA Film Society Launches With Screening of The Room

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YEREVAN, Armenia — On April 23, the American University of Armenia (AUA) celebrated the inaugural launch of its Film Society with a screening event featuring Tommy Wiseau’s cult classic The Room, about an amiable banker whose seemingly perfect life is turned upside down when his deceitful fiancée begins an affair with his best friend.

The event was highlighted by a special appearance from Dan Janjigian, the actor portraying Chris-R in the film, who delivered a talk followed by an interactive Q&A session. 

Janjigian, who went from representing Armenia in the men’s two-man bobsleigh competition at the 2002 Winter Olympics to appearing on screen in Wiseau’s film, shared a wealth of production-related stories and experience. From recounting the director’s fear of his method acting to stories like his daughter’s amazement upon seeing Zac Efron portray her father in the 2017 film The Disaster Artist, Janjigian provided fascinating behind-the-scenes insights into the culture surrounding The Room. 

According to David Baghdasaryan (BAEC ’25), president of AUA’s newly-created Film Society, the event underscored the formation of an organized community of film enthusiasts within the University. He noted that while interest in film has always existed at AUA, the launch of the Film Society has provided a dedicated platform that gathers individuals passionate about cinema, both as viewers and creators. 

Affiliated with the English and Communications program, the Film Society aims to curate a wide array of cinematic experiences through screenings and exclusive events, as well as production opportunities.

Founded in 1991, the American University of Armenia (AUA) is a private, independent university located in Yerevan, Armenia, affiliated with the University of California, and accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission in the United States. AUA provides local and international students with Western-style education through top-quality undergraduate and graduate degree and certificate programs, promotes research and innovation, encourages civic engagement and community service, and fosters democratic values.