Biography

Ruben Kochar, renowned Armenian film director and writer, over several decades in productive life of filmmaking, raised in true avant-garde environment, in a home of a father, renowned Artist Ervand Kochar, has become a free thinker during and after the Soviet times, creating an impressive record of two dozen films, shorts, musicals, film ballets and features distinguished with high artistic approach.

The winner of Best Director Award , Arpa International Film Festival (Los Angeles, 2013) for My Name Is Viola (2013), President's Award, Ajijik Internatioinal Film Festival (Mexico, 2001) for Herostratus (2001). Medal of Arsenal International Film Festival (Latvia, 1988) for the film ballet Lilit (1986), Grand Prix of Minsk Film Festival (Belarus, 1985) for Quartet (1985) and many more.

Ruben Kochar graduated from Yerevan State Institute of Theatre and Cinematography, department of film directing in 1974 and advanced courses of Cinematography and Television in Moscow in 1980.

Since 1983 Kochar is a pledged member of Soviet Guild of Directors.

In 1985 was awarded "Lauriatte" for innovation style of film ballet series.

In 1992 Ruben Kochar founded AITN (Armenian International Television Network) in the USA, ARPI daily cultural TV program airing in Los Angeles since 1992 and ARPI Video and Film Production in 1998.

In 2003 he founded "Kochar Cultural Foundation" which aims to promote Armenian culture around the world, creating documentaries, organizing art exhibitions, screenings and other cultural events.

Ruben Kochar is not only involved into filmmaking and television but also writing and painting.

He started painting in his early 30's, under the influence of his father, Maestro Ervand Kochar.
- IMDb mini biography by: J. Wagner

Ruben Kochar is an Armenian film director, writer, and visual artist known for his innovative cinematic language, bold conceptual ideas, and strong artistic independence. Raised in an avant-garde artistic environment as the son of renowned artist Ervand Kochar, he developed a free-thinking, experimental approach to cinema during and after the Soviet era. Over several decades, he has created an impressive body of work of more than two dozen films, earning international awards and critical recognition for his experimental approach. His films are often characterized by visual abstraction, philosophical depth, and a willingness to challenge narrative conventions, placing him among the most distinctive auteurs of Armenian cinema. Kochar is also active as a painter, writer, and cultural producer promoting Armenian art worldwide.

Critics and art historians frequently highlight his pioneering contribution to the genre of film ballet, where he merged movement, music, and cinematic form into a unified visual language. His works are recognized for their poetic imagery, expressive rhythm, and exploration of existential and cultural themes.

Kochar’s films have received international recognition and awards, including the Best Director Award at the Arpa International Film Festival (Los Angeles, 2013) for My Name Is Viola (2013); the President’s Award at the Ajijik International Film Festival (Mexico, 2001) for Herostratus (2001); the Arsenal International Film Festival Medal (Latvia, 1988) for the film ballet Lilit (1986); and the Grand Prix at the Minsk Film Festival (Belarus, 1985) for Quartet (1985), among many others.

He graduated from the Yerevan State Institute of Theatre and Cinematography, Department of Film Directing, in 1974, and later completed Advanced Courses in Cinematography and Television in Moscow in 1980. Since 1983, he has been a full member of the Soviet (later Russian) Guild of Film Directors. In 1985, he was awarded the title of Laureate for his innovative style in the film ballet series, a recognition often cited by critics as acknowledgment of his contribution to cinematic form.

In 1992, Kochar founded the Armenian International Television Network (AITN) in the United States, launching the daily cultural television program ARPI, which has aired in Los Angeles since its inception. He later established ARPI Video and Film Production in 1998. In 2003, he founded the Kochar Cultural Foundation, dedicated to promoting Armenian culture worldwide through documentaries, art exhibitions, screenings, and cultural initiatives.

Beyond filmmaking and television, Ruben Kochar is also active as a writer and painter. His visual works share the same conceptual rigor and expressive freedom found in his films. He began painting in his early thirties, under the influence of his father, Maestro Ervand Kochar, further expanding his multidisciplinary artistic practice.
- IMDb mini biography by: J.Wagner

Painter & Writer.

Los Angeles, CA , USA: Living and working

Yerevan, Armenia: Living and working