Acclaimed actress Alex Hedison is set to return to the screen in Ponchik, which marks the directorial debut of Natalie Shirinian. Following her successful debut with Alok, Shirinian is keen to explore deeper narratives within Armenian storytelling.

Film Overview

In Ponchik, Hedison will co-star with Angela Sarafyan—a fellow Armenian artist. The film aims to shed light on the complexities faced by the Armenian community, focusing particularly on the experiences of first-generation Armenians in the United States.

Character Insights

Hedison will portray a scholar, adding depth to the narrative as Sarafyan plays a 30-year-old aspiring writer. Set in the vibrant Little Armenia neighborhood of Los Angeles, Sarafyan’s character grapples with the intricacies of her traditional Armenian roots while navigating her personal aspirations and familial expectations. The tension between her and her immigrant mother serves as a critical element of the film, showcasing the struggle of balancing cultural heritage with individual identity.

Director’s Vision

Expressing her enthusiasm for the project, Hedison stated,

“It’s exciting for me to support Natalie’s vision as writer/director on this incredible project. Her immense talent combined with an unwavering commitment to center stories about our Armenian community made it an immediate yes. I can’t wait to jump in and help bring this meaningful story to life.”

Casting and Production

Shirinian expressed her excitement about collaborating with Hedison, noting,

“I’m thrilled to have Alex on board. She is a creative force. I wrote this role for her and love working with her.”

She emphasized a shared goal of breaking stereotypes often associated with Armenian portrayals in mainstream media.

Currently, production is slated to commence in Winter 2025/2026. This film represents the second collaborative effort between Hedison and Shirinian, their first being the executive produced Alok by Jodie Foster.

Acknowledgments and Future Prospects

Notably, Ponchik was recognized as a finalist in the 2023 Academy Qualifying Flickers’ Rhode Island International Film Festival Screenplay Competition, underscoring its promising narrative quality.

As production progresses, additional cast announcements are expected to follow, hinting at an expansive exploration of this compelling story.