‘Guardians of Music’ Selected Winner in 37th Annual Telly Awards 

‘Guardians of Music’ Selected Winner in 37th Annual Telly Awards 

FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich.—The Telly Awards has named Ara Topouzian as a bronze winner in the 37th Annual Telly Awards for his film documentary titled, “Guardians of Music: A History of Armenian Music in Detroit.” With more than 13,000 entries from all 50 states and numerous countries, this is truly an honor.

The Telly Awards has named Ara Topouzian as a bronze winner in the 37th Annual Telly Awards for his film documentary.

“Guardians of Music” is a one-hour film documentary produced and narrated by 2012 Kresge Artist Fellow Ara Topouzian, a Detroit Armenian musician that benefited from the history of the Armenian music masters. The film features visits to local metro Detroit locations where Armenian music was once prominent, as well as rare interviews with some of the musicians and nightclub patrons of that era. Topouzian shares rare photographs, film archives, and newspaper clippings that promoted music in the clubs and dance halls, showcasing the diversity and vibrancy of the Detroit multicultural music scene during that time period.

On March 16, 2015, “Guardians of Music” made its premiere on Detroit Public Television (DPTV). As part of Armenian Heritage Night, the documentary helped raise more than $70,000 for DPTV in one evening.

“I am honored that my film won a Telly Award, especially under the category of Best Use of Music—seems very appropriate!” said Topouzian.

The Telly Awards was founded in 1979 and is the premier award honoring outstanding local, regional, and cable TV commercials and programs, the finest video and film productions, and online commercials, video, and films. Winners represent the best work of the most respected advertising agencies, production companies, television stations, cable operators, and corporate video departments in the world.

A prestigious judging panel of over 500 accomplished industry professionals, each a past winner of a Silver Telly and a member of the Silver Telly Council, judged the competition, upholding the historical standard of excellence that Telly represents. The Silver Council evaluated entries to recognize distinction in creative work. Entries do not compete against each other; rather, they are judged against a high standard of merit.

“The Telly Awards has a mission to honor the very best in film and video,” said Linda Day, executive director of the Telly Awards. “Ara Topouzian’s accomplishment illustrates his creativity, skill, and dedication to his craft and serves as a testament to great film and video production.”

For more information about “Guardians of Music: A History of Armenian Music in Detroit,” visit https://hyetimesmusic.com/guardiansofmusic/.

Source: Armenian Weekly Mid-West