TUMO Beirut is opening soon and Njteh Mkrtchyan has one of its most important roles — the center’s first learning coach! Njteh, who has a background in filmmaking and theater, is currently in Yerevan learning about TUMO and training with local staff.

“It’s not my first time in Armenia. It’s my sixth time, actually. I’ve travelled here with a theater troupe and to attend camps. I’ve been to TUMO before, but only as a visitor with no idea what it’s like behind the scenes.“ said Njteh. His first visit left such an impression on him, that when he learned TUMO Beirut was hiring he applied immediately.

After graduating from high school, Njteh follow his childhood dream of studying filmmaking. He enrolled in ALBA – University of Balamand as a film major, where his capstone project was an original film entitled “Last Time,” shot in Armenian. “I think that when you love your job and enjoy the process, you constantly want to develop and expand your knowledge. To make a successful film, you can’t be afraid of taking risks and trying new things,” he said.

FUN FACT:

Njteh has toured Armenia several times with the Hamazgayin Theater from Lebanon. Last May, he played the role of a woman in showings of “Condoleezza, My Love” in Gyumri and Yerevan. “The play wasn’t a comedy, but when I got on stage, the audience broke out in laughter,” said Njteh. “I can’t blame them, imagine me dressed as a woman.”