Ovanes Ohanian
Hollywood was already becoming a major influence on filmmaking around the world, and Ohanian understood the importance of learning from developments taking place outside. His educational programme therefore reflected an international outlook, combining elements of physical training, performance and cinematic technique. The completion of the school’s first course was an important achievement, both for Ohanian and for the students who participated in the programme. The graduation ceremony provided an opportunity to demonstrate that cinema education could be organized as a formal discipline rather than remaining an informal pursuit.
The presence of parliamentary representatives, journalists and distinguished members of society gave the occasion additional importance. By presenting athletic exercises and theatrical performances, the students demonstrated the practical results of their training. The event also served as a form of public promotion for cinema as an emerging profession. At a time when acting was not yet widely regarded as an established career in society, Ohanian was attempting to introduce a new generation of performers to the public.
