By Armenian Film Festival | Monday, 21 July 2025
● SYDNEY: 8 - 17 August, Event Cinemas Top Ryde
● MELBOURNE: 29 - 31 August, Lido Cinemas Hawthorn
MEDIA RELEASE: Thursday, 3rd July 2025 — The Armenian Film Festival Australia (AFFA) proudly announces its 9th edition, marking a significant milestone with the introduction of its inaugural awards program. The festival returns to Sydney and Melbourne this August, celebrating the impact Armenians have made on wine and music globally, the festival opens with Monsieur Aznavour, an epic portrait of the legendary French-Armenian singer.
Opening night showcases true Armenian hospitality with Armenian festivities, food and wine and the talented Charlie Chech singing Aznavour's greatest hits.[1]
For the first time in its nine-year history, AFFA will present awards recognising excellence across multiple categories, including: Best Feature Film, Best Documentary, Best Short Film and Audience Choice, with special mentions in each category. The awards program underscores the festival's evolution as Australia's premier showcase of Armenian and diaspora cinema.
"The introduction of our awards program represents a pivotal moment for AFFA," said Founders and Directors Hourie Demirjian and Margaret Chater. "As we enter our ninth year, we're not only celebrating exceptional filmmaking but formally recognising the outstanding achievements of Armenian filmmakers worldwide. This year's programme, from Charles Aznavour's extraordinary journey, groundbreaking documentaries about our ancient winemaking traditions, and films to inspire our community of all ages, this years festival exemplifies the calibre of work we're proud to honour." Award winners will be announced at the closing ceremony in Sydney, celebrating both established and emerging filmmakers who continue to push the boundaries of Armenian cinema.
Ensuring the festival serves and celebrates the whole community, this year’s lineup features dramas, comedy, documentary and special events for all ages.
Our special events include our very first LADIES NIGHT, and UNDER 35'S NIGHT, plus an exclusive ARMENIAN WINE TASTING EXPERIENCE as a strictly limited add on to the thought-provoking documentary, Cup of Salvation, a rare window into the world’s oldest winemaking region, spanning Armenia and Iran. This is an unmissable, once-in-a-lifetime experience.
FILM FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:
Monsieur Aznavour Opening Night Sydney | Closing Night Melbourne
An epic portrait of Charles Aznavour's life from his childhood to his rise to fame. An unmissable journey into the life of an artist, an immortal singer-songwriter and one of the greatest entertainers of all time.
Reverse Side of the Medal Closing Night Sydney | Opening Night Melbourne
An inspiring film, and true story following the journey of a female weightlifter, exploring themes of determination, strength and breaking barriers in sport. Having wide appeal, this film delivers national pride and success.
Cup of Salvation with optional Wine Tasting Event
At the crossroads of Armenia and Iran, a father and daughter must overcome war, religion and geopolitics to establish their wines on the global stage and reclaim a 6,000-year-old tradition of winemaking. From the team behind the SOMM documentaries. Features exclusive wine tasting with charismatic winemaker Vahe Keushguerian. It may be the first and only chance to sample these extraordinary Armenian wines on Australian soil, including one that's been dubbed “the most dangerous wine in the world.”
My Sweet Land Australian Premiere | Jordan's Academy Award Entry
Jordan’s Official Entry to the 97th Academy Awards for Best International Feature Film, which was subsequently withdrawn due to diplomatic pressure from Azerbaijan.11-year-old Vrej's life in his homeland Artsakh is like a paradise. However when war erupts, he must flee with his family and confront the devastation left behind. A testament to the people of Artsakh where resilience endures among generations.
My Armenian Phantoms Australian Premiere - Armenian history through film.
An artistic timeline that explores Armenian cinema's forgotten history by filmmaker Tamar Stepanyan, inspired by her father, actor Vigen Stepanyan. The documentary uses archival footage and personal memories to reveal the cultural legacy of Soviet Armenian films, highlighting themes of identity, love, struggle, and artistic expression.
Tezeta Australian Premiere - Armenian influence on Ethiopia.
A compelling documentary covering the birth of modern music in Ethiopia featiring Ethiopian greats inspired by the genocide orphans of Armenia, a film that bridges Armenian and Ethiopian cultures through the universal language of jazz and music.
The festival presents two hilarious comedies this year; Master of Destiny Australian Premiere - ladies night special event! A popular new Armenian film about twin sisters Janet and Anet who were separated by fate until one of them inherited their mystic grandmother's powers. And Rosali, a unique female robot, Rosali must experience the spectrum of emotions to break boundaries between man and machine. A young man drowning in debt agrees to take part in this experiment with unexpected results.
For our younger audiences there are two family options this year; Once Upon a Time at School 2: The Last Guardian Australian Premiere - Perfect for families! A high school adventure film. School librarian Vachik mysteriously disappears, and Don Quixote appears its up to twelve-year-old Hayk must uncover the secret of this transportation and the mysteries around it. For our youngest audience members.
‘Kids at the Flicks’ A specially curated session for children - 4 short films, featuring two charming Armenian animations and a heartwarming live-action story, and followed by a special Q&A with young actor Mark Haroutonian (Sydney)
The 2025 festival once again brings the best of Armenian culture to Australian audiences.
For the full festival programme and to purchase tickets, visit www.armenianfilmfestival.com.au. All films feature English subtitles.
-ENDS-
For media enquiries, screener requests, and/or interviews, please contact:
Jaye Gilroy, jaye@jayepr.com.au, 0421945285
About The Armenian Film Festival Australia
Established in 2016, the Armenian Film Festival Australia is now in its 9th edition, showcasing the best of Armenian films sourced from across the globe. The festival immerses audiences in Armenian stories, culture, history, and language and aims to inspire discussion, debate and dialogue about Armenian cinema and culture. All films showcased at the festival are hand-picked by the team for this purpose. AFFA continues to establish itself as Australia's premier showcase of Armenian and diaspora cinema, with potential expansion to Perth and Adelaide under consideration. For more information, visit www.armenianfilmfestival.com.au.
Thank you, I"ve simplified this then to remove the placement of the singing
comments
Your Guide to the 2025 Armenian Film Festival
Armenian Film Festival Returns for 2025!
OPED: 100,000 Indigenous Armenian Refugees Exiled After Azerbaijan Terror
Australia Live By Armenia Media: Tim James & Hugh McDermott
Australia Live By Armenia Media: Ohanes Ohanesian
Armenia Media with Academy for Early Learners West Pymble
Australia Live By Armenia Media: Simon Der Sahagian
Australia Live By Armenia Media: Kaylar Michaelian
Australia Live By Armenia Media: Adele Kradjian & Arminee Karabetian