Armenian Film Festival Australia 2026 – Sydney

Sydney welcomes the Armenian Film Festival Australia (AFFA) from 11–27 September 2026, as the festival celebrates its landmark 10th anniversary with more than two weeks of cinema, culture and special events.

Held at Event Cinemas Top Ryde, the Sydney festival brings together Armenian and Armenian-Australian stories through feature films, documentaries, comedy, shorts and special screenings, alongside filmmaker Q&As and festival events.

Whether you are passionate about independent cinema, interested in Armenian culture or simply looking for something different to do in Sydney this September, AFFA offers an opportunity to discover stories and filmmakers that may rarely appear on mainstream Australian cinema screens.

Armenian Film Festival Sydney 2026 at a Glance

Dates: 11–27 September 2026
Venue: Event Cinemas Top Ryde
Location: Level 4, Top Ryde City Shopping Centre, corner of Devlin Street and Blaxland Road, Ryde NSW 2112
Festival: Armenian Film Festival Australia – 10th Anniversary Edition
Program: Feature films, documentaries, comedy, shorts, Australian productions and special events
Tickets: Available through the official Armenian Film Festival Australia website

Celebrating 10 Years of Armenian Cinema in Australia

The 2026 festival marks a significant milestone for AFFA: 10 years of cinema, culture and conversation in Australia.

The anniversary program brings together new productions and memorable films from previous editions of the festival, creating a program that explores Armenian history, identity, family, migration, resilience, culture and contemporary life.

Sydney hosts the first and longest leg of the national 2026 festival before AFFA continues to Adelaide, Perth and Melbourne.

Sydney Opening Night Gala

The Sydney festival opens on Friday 11 September with AFFA’s 10th Anniversary Opening Night Gala.

The evening includes a red-carpet arrival, Armenian food and wine, live music and the Australian premiere of Vazgen: The Last Sparapet.

The biographical drama explores the life and legacy of Vazgen Sargsyan, the writer who became an influential military and political leader in modern Armenian history.

Opening Night begins at 6:30 pm at Event Cinemas Top Ryde.

10th Anniversary Screening of Lion

One of the standout events of the Sydney program is a special 10th anniversary screening of Lion on Thursday 24 September at 7:00 pm.

The acclaimed 2016 film tells the true story of Saroo Brierley, who became separated from his family in India as a five-year-old, was adopted by an Australian family and, decades later, began searching for his birth family.

The anniversary screening forms part of AFFA’s celebration of ten years of bringing stories and audiences together through cinema.

Films to Discover at AFFA 2026

The Sydney program spans a broad range of genres and perspectives.

Highlights include Vazgen: The Last Sparapet, sports drama Ararat 73, romantic comedy A Winter’s Song, family adventure Poqr Mher, comedy Full House: Landing, and anniversary favourites including Amerikatsi, Aram, Aram and Aurora’s Sunrise.

The program also includes documentaries, short films and Australian-Armenian productions.

Two productions have been announced as world premieres: Mumma Bear Cushman and In Search of Light, the latter from Armenian-Australian filmmaker Hasmig Der Tateossian.

More Than Film Screenings

AFFA Sydney is designed as more than a traditional cinema program.

Selected sessions include filmmaker Q&As, giving audiences an opportunity to hear directly from people involved in bringing the stories to the screen.

There are also dedicated festival experiences including Ladies Night, the Flix & Mix Under 35’s Night, and special opening and closing celebrations.

The festival concludes on Sunday 27 September with Outliving Shakespeare, followed by the Closing Night and Festival Awards.

Where is the Armenian Film Festival in Sydney?

The Sydney program is being held at:

Event Cinemas Top Ryde
Top Ryde City Shopping Centre
Level 4, corner of Devlin Street and Blaxland Road
Ryde NSW 2112

The cinema has lift access and wheelchair-accessible cinema spaces.

Parking is available at Top Ryde City Shopping Centre. Visitors should check current parking conditions and time limits before attending.

When is the Armenian Film Festival Sydney 2026?

The Sydney edition of the Armenian Film Festival Australia runs from Friday 11 September to Sunday 27 September 2026.

Screenings and events are scheduled across the festival period, including daytime and evening sessions.

Check the official festival schedule before attending, as individual screening times and availability may change.

How Do I Buy Tickets?

Tickets for individual screenings and special events are available through the official Armenian Film Festival Australia website.

Some screenings include filmmaker Q&As or additional festival experiences, so check the individual event information when selecting tickets.

View the full 2026 program and buy tickets at Armenian Film Festival Australia.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Armenian Film Festival in Sydney?

The Armenian Film Festival Australia runs in Sydney from 11–27 September 2026.

Where is the Armenian Film Festival held in Sydney?

The 2026 Sydney festival is being held at Event Cinemas Top Ryde, Level 4, Top Ryde City Shopping Centre, Ryde.

Do I need to be Armenian to attend the festival?

No. AFFA is a public film festival and its screenings and events are open to audiences interested in cinema, storytelling and Armenian culture.

Are the films in English?

The program includes productions from Australia, Armenia and other countries. Languages and subtitles vary by film. Check the individual film listing on the official AFFA website for language, subtitles and classification information before booking.

Are there filmmaker Q&As?

Yes. Several Sydney sessions in the 2026 program include filmmaker Q&As.

Is Lion screening at the 2026 festival?

Yes. AFFA is holding a special 10th anniversary screening of Lion on Thursday 24 September 2026 at 7:00 pm at Event Cinemas Top Ryde.

Is the venue accessible?

Event Cinemas Top Ryde provides lift access and wheelchair-accessible cinema spaces. Visitors requiring wheelchair seating should contact the festival or venue regarding their individual requirements.

Plan Your Sydney Experience

Going to a film festival can be part of a much bigger Sydney day out.

If you are visiting Sydney for AFFA, explore more of the city’s attractions, experiences, restaurants and things to do with Visit Sydney.

From Sydney Harbour and the Opera House to beaches, neighbourhoods, museums, nightlife and day trips, there is plenty to discover before or after your festival screening.

Armenian Film Festival Australia – Sydney
11–27 September 2026
Event Cinemas Top Ryde

For the latest program, screening times, ticket availability and festival updates, visit the official Armenian Film Festival Australia website.