Screening of William Saroyan: The Man the Writer.

January 17, 2010

On January 16, St. Sarkis Armenian Church in Dallas hosted a special screening of "William Saroyan: The Man the Writer." Paul Kalinian and Dr. Susie Kalinian, the director and producer of the movie, answered questions from the audience after the film. We also learned about director Paul Kalinian's other Saroyan project.

The Kalinians open the film with Saroyan's own descriptions of his childhood. The stories are accompanied by simple black-and-white footage that hearkens back to the silent films of the era. Mike Connors narrates the rest of the film, which covers William Saroyan's achievements and trials, as well as his passion for both Armenia and the United States. The scenery and images are authentic, evocative and artistic.

The film is truly a labor of love. The father and daughter Kalinians helped Saroyan's fans and readers understand, admire and appreciate the man and his work. Director Paul Kalinian poured his passion and his fascination with Saroyan into the award-winning documentary.

Viewers of the documentary may not know about Paul Kalinian's other professional connection to Saroyan. On May 22, 1991, William Saroyan was jointly honored on commemorative stamps in both the United States and the USSR, as a symbol of the friendship between the two superpowers. He was the first and only person jointly honored on stamps issued by the two countries.

First-day-of-issue ceremonies took place simultaneously in Fresno, California, and Yerevan, Armenia. At both events, participants saw the debut of a stamp with Paul Kalinian's wonderful photo of Saroyan.

Congratulations, Paul and Susie.

Sincerely, Annie and Jere Graham, Dallas, Texas.