Zara Jian

"I believe cinema is a tool for healing and transformation." Armenian actress, director, and producer Zara Mkhitaryan (mostly known as Zara Jian) has built a multifaceted career across continents. Born in 1987, she began working abroad as a teenager due to Armenia's economic challenges. She later earned degrees in economics and TV show management before relocating to Hollywood, where she studied under acting coach Ivana Chubbuck for three years. Mkhitaryan also trained in the Meisner technique, Stanislavsky system, and at Frank Stein Studio in Barcelona. In 2017, she returned to Armenia to contribute to its film industry, organizing Ivana Chubbuck's Master Class with state support, inspiring a new generation of actors and filmmakers. During the 2020 conflict in Artsakh, Mkhitaryan provided aid to children and refugees, offering psychological support and humanitarian assistance. She founded Boomerang Media.AM and, in 2022, directed her debut feature film, Leona End Mark, shot in five days during the pandemic under strict health protocols. The film employs a Kammerspiel style, focusing on intense character-driven storytelling. Mkhitaryan's work often delves into psychological thrillers, mysteries, and documentaries, aiming to spotlight underrepresented narratives. She aspires to establish a film school in Armenia and believes that recognition in European cinema can invigorate Armenian filmmaking, especially following the events of 2020.