Karren Karagoulian stars in The Prince of Broadway

Published: Friday August 20, 2010

Karren Karagoulian .

New York - The Prince of Broadway, an independent film written and directed by Sean Baker, will premier in New York City on September 3 at the Angelika Theater at 18 West Houston Street.

The Prince of Broadway uncovers the life of Lucky, an illegal immigrant from Ghana, trying to make ends meet by soliciting shoppers on the street with knock-off brand merchandise.

Levon, an Armenian-Lebanese immigrant, operates an illegal storefront with a concealed back room where counterfeit goods are showcased to interested shoppers.

Lucky's world is suddenly turned upside down when a child is thrust into his life by a woman who insists the toddler is his son. While Lucky copes with his new domestic dilemma, Levon struggles to save a marriage that is falling apart. The seedy side of the wholesale district is revealed through a journey that continually confronts the interplay between what is fake and what is real.

Set in the shadow of the Flatiron building and soaked in the colorful bustle of Broadway, the film is as much a brutal drama as it is a tender comedy. Shot in a fast-paced guerilla style that is akin to the hustler lifestyle, the film reveals the lives of immigrants in America seeking ideals of family and love, while creating their own knock-off of the American Dream.

Levon is played by Karren Karagoulian. A native of Armenia, Karagoulian came to the U.S. in 1990 at the age of 20 and befriended writer/director Sean Baker shortly thereafter.

With no aspirations to become a movie star, Karren was cast in small roles in Baker's first two films Four Letter Words and Take Out. He has also been featured in three other films, including a documentary, since.

With no formal acting training and few expectations, Karren seemed the perfect fit for Levon - leading to his first starring role in a feature film.

Karren resides in New York with his wife and kids.

Connect: http://www.princeofbroadway.com/