A milestone anniversary edition promises its most ambitious program yet, with screenings across four major Australian cities

This September, the Armenian Film Festival Australia returns for its most significant edition yet—a landmark 10th Anniversary celebration that honours a decade of storytelling, cultural connection, and cinematic excellence.

Running from September 11 to November 1, 2026, the festival will illuminate screens across Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, and Perth, bringing together audiences, filmmakers, and communities through stories that transcend borders and generations.

What began as a modest initiative ten years ago has blossomed into one of Australia's most anticipated cultural events. The festival, an initiative of Hamazkaine Armenian Educational & Cultural Society (Shant Chapter), has established itself as a vital platform for Armenian cinema and a bridge between diaspora communities and their heritage.

The 2026 program reflects the festival's growth and ambition. Headlining the Opening Night Gala on September 11 is ‘Vazgen: The Last Sparapet’, a stirring portrait of the visionary military leader and his tragic legacy. The festival concludes with ‘Outliving Shakespeare’, a poignant documentary about elderly residents in a Soviet-era retirement home who find community and purpose through theatre.

Other films in the program includes:

New and acclaimed films: ‘In the Land of Arto’, a searching examination of memory and war; ‘Full House: Landing’, a comedy about old friends reunited; and *Ararat 73*, a sports drama honouring legendary Armenian athletics.

Romance and renewal: ‘A Winter's Song’, a romantic comedy starring singer-songwriter Krista Marina, offers an intimate look at love discovered in Armenia's mountains.

Australian stories: The festival celebrates local talent through films by Armenian-Australian filmmakers, reinforcing the diaspora's creative voice.

Historical resonance: Anniversary screenings feature beloved films from the past decade—including ‘Aram, Aram’, the very first film screened at AFFA in 2016—alongside powerful new works addressing Armenian history and identity.

Short films and documentaries: Seven thought-provoking shorts explore resilience, displacement, loss, and human connection, while documentaries such as ‘Ojakh, on the Other Side of the Silence’ delve into Armenian cultural heritage and Turkey-Armenia reconciliation.

As always, the festival includes some signature events, which this year, includes:

Opening Night Gala: A red carpet celebration featuring Armenian food, wine, and live music before the opening film 'Vazgen: The Last Sparapet', followed by post-screening festivities.

Ladies Night: An evening tailored for women, pairing ‘A Winter's Song’ with wine, nibbles, and door prizes.

Flix & Mix | Under 35s: A special screening and social mixer designed to engage younger audiences and foster community connections.

Cinema & Soul: An intimate evening featuring ‘A Winter's Song’ followed by a live performance by Krista Marina in the festival bar—a blending of cinema, music, and Armenian soul.

Filmmaker Q&As: Throughout the festival, audiences will have the opportunity to engage directly with filmmakers, deepening their connection to the stories on screen.

Family Film: ‘Poqr Mher (Little Mher)’, a whimsical adventure that brings Armenian mythology to contemporary life.

Where and when to Find AFFA

Sydney: September 11-27, 2026 
Adelaide: October 10-11, 2026 
Perth: October 24-25, 2026 
Melbourne: October 30-November 1, 2026

Tickets are available at armenianfilmfestival.com.au. The festival website offers full program details, filmmaker information, venue locations, and frequently asked questions.