Biography

Born in Armenia, Haik Kocharian was introduced to the world of art in early childhood by his parents, both theater and film actors. After studying at the Armenian Theater and Art Academy, he moved to New York City to pursue his artistic aspirations and attended Brooklyn College, where he majored in photography and film.

Kocharian has written, directed, and produced six short films including "Control Z," whose original negatives are housed in The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences' film archive, as well as "Charlie," which won the Thirteen/WNET Reel 13 Shorts Competition.

Kocharian wrote, directed, and produced his first feature film, "Please be Normal," starring Oscar-nominated actor Sam Waterston, who appears alongside his daughter, Elisabeth Waterston, his son-in-law, Louis Cancelmi, and Dana Eskelson. In 2015, the New York Times awarded the film a Critics' Pick, and the film won awards in two film festivals.

His second feature film, "I am Like You," is scheduled to be released in the summer of 2022.

Kocharian is also an established fine art photographer. He has held solo photography exhibitions in New York at the Robin Rice Gallery, James Cohan Gallery, and Judson Memorial Church, as well as group exhibitions at the Museum of the City of New York and the International Center for Photography.

Kocharian is actively involved in charity work and, as a photographer, has collaborated with non-profit organizations such as Meaningful World, a UN-affiliated NGO in Burundi, Kenya, and Rwanda; African Services Committee in Ethiopia; Chodron Foundation in Nepal; and Self Help Africa and Faiths for Safe Water in New York.

Kocharian is also a singer-songwriter. His most recent performance included a multimedia concert at Joe's Pub at The Public Theater in New York.

Kocharian resides in New York City.

- IMDb mini biography by: Natalie A. Napierala