by FilmInk Staff
ARMENIAN FILM FESTIVAL AUSTRALIA ANNOUNCES INAUGURAL AWARD WINNERS
THE REVERSE SIDE OF THE MEDAL AND MY SWEET LAND TAKE TOP HONOURS
The Armenian Film Festival Australia (AFFA) has announced the winners of its inaugural awards program, recognising excellence in Armenian and diaspora filmmaking across five categories.
Anna Maxim Harutyunyan’s The Reverse Side of the Medal was awarded Best Feature – Narrative, while Sareen Hairabedian’s My Sweet Land received Best Feature – Documentary. Both films captivated audiences and critics during the festival’s 10-day Sydney program.
2025 AFFA AWARD WINNERS
Jury Awards
- Best Feature – Narrative: The Reverse Side of the Medal by Anna Maxim Harutyunyan (Armenia)
- Best Feature – Documentary: My Sweet Land by Sareen Hairabedian (Jordan, France, Ireland, USA)
- Best Short: Romeo by Marina Arzumanova (Armenia)
Audience Choice Awards
- Best Feature Film: Cup of Salvation by Jason Wise (USA)
- Best Short Film: Black Hole by Gor Aroushanyan (Poland)
“These inaugural awards celebrate the exceptional quality and diversity of contemporary Armenian cinema,” said AFFA Co-Founder and Co-Director Margaret Chater. “From intimate personal stories to sweeping historical narratives, this year’s winners demonstrate the rich storytelling tradition that continues to evolve within Armenian and diaspora communities.”
The awards were presented at the festival’s closing ceremony in Sydney, marking the conclusion of a landmark 9th edition that introduced the awards program alongside sold-out screenings and special events. The festival’s unique Cup of Salvation wine-tasting event proved particularly popular, offering audiences a rare opportunity to sample Armenian wines alongside the documentary exploring the region’s 6,000-year winemaking tradition.
MELBOURNE OPENING NIGHT GALA
The festival now continues to Melbourne with an Opening Night Gala on Friday, 29 August at Lido Cinemas Hawthorn, featuring The Reverse Side of the Medal.
The Melbourne program runs from 29–31 August, showcasing the award-winning films alongside a diverse line-up of Armenian and diaspora cinema.
For tickets and the full Melbourne program visit: www.armenianfilmfestival.com.au
