Synopsis
William Saroyan: The Man The Writer

Release Date:		April, 1991
Running Time:		64:35
Original Format:		16mm Film 1:1.33 Optical Sound
Tone:		Sepia  B.W.  Color
Language:		English /Subtitled in Armenian/
Projection Format:		NTSC or PAL D-2 / BetacamSP / DVD / Hi8 / U-Matic / S-VHS

A documentary film on the life and works of internationally renowned Armenian-American writer, playwright and humanitarian, William Saroyan. Written and directed by Paul Kalinian and produced by his daughter, Dr. Susie Kalinian.

The story highlights Saroyan's personal life, his essence, character and philosophy, his works, his message to the world, and the undying love and passion he felt for both his native country as an American, and for the country of his forefathers, as an Armenian. Saroyan discusses his cultural heritage and its importance and influence on his becoming a writer. He rejects money, fame and glory. He ultimately goes back to his roots and finds his final rest.

The story begins in Fresno, California, in the early 1900's and spans 8 decades until the writer's death in 1981. The film opens with Saroyan reminiscing about his past. It continues with the narration of film star Mike Connors, of Saroyan's 60 years writing career, based on biographies, interviews, recordings, newspapers, magazine articles, his works, and Kalinian's personal experience with Saroyan.

The film includes: the city of Fresno--past and present, excerpts of Saroyan's voice, original photographs, home movies, memorabilia, Saroyan's 60 books he had published during his lifetime, on location re-enactment scenes, rare footage of Saroyan's last visits to his ancestral homeland, graphical illustrations by Sarkis Muradyan and music score composed by Paul Nazlikian.

The areas in the film clips and in the production script that indicates Saroyan's voice and images, are taken from various pre-recorded monologues and interviews throughout his life. They have been extensively adapted and edited for this film. In a short segment, Saroyan speaks Armenian with English subtitle.

The first time, the film is premiered on April 13, 1991, at the William Saroyan Theatre in Fresno, California.

The film has won six International Film Festival Awards--including a Gold Award for Best Documentary Film.

From 1991 to 2003, the film has been shown in 58 cities in 22 countries and continues. More than one million people have seen this film.