2024 ARMENIAN FILM FESTIVAL AUSTRALIA TO FEATURE MICKEY MOUSE FUNHOUSE “VARDAVAR!” EPISODE AS PART OF EXPANDED FAMILY-FRIENDLY PROGRAMME
The Armenian Film Festival Australia (AFFA) is thrilled to announce Disney Jr.’s Mickey Mouse Funhouse “Vardavar!”episode will screen as part of the 2024 festival. This special screening will headline an expanded selection of family-friendly films at the festival’s 8th edition, running in Sydney from 16-25 August and in Melbourne from 6-8 September.
“Vardavar!” sees Mickey and friends celebrating the Armenian water festival of Vardavar, where participants joyfully splash water on each other. Minnie is wearing her brand-new dress, but quickly realises she should have left it at home. She is aided by the Armenian Goddess Astghik who gifts her a traditional taraz (Armenian dress and headdress). The story showcases elements of Armenian culture, including language, food, and traditional dress.
The episode was written by Kathleen Sarnelli Kapukhyan and the character of Astghik is voiced by Liana Bdewi.
This third season of Disney Jr.’s Mickey Mouse Funhouse sees the beloved characters journeying to culturally rich locations like Armenia, Korea and India.
Margaret Chater and Hourie Demirjian, Co-founders and Co-directors of AFFA, expressed their excitement: “We’re delighted to bring this charming celebration of Armenian culture to our youngest Australian audiences. The inclusion of the Mickey Mouse Funhouse’s “Vardavar!” episode in our programme underscores our commitment to showcasing Armenia’s rich heritage to viewers of all ages. We are grateful Disney has allowed us to screen this episode.”
The family-friendly programme will also include the animated feature ‘Anahit’, based on an Armenian folk tale, and Armenia’s first superhero film, “Vishap”. Disney Jr.’s “Vardavar!” episode will screen with ‘Anahit’.
The festival will also pay tribute to cinematic legends, celebrating the 100th birthday of celebrated filmmaker Sergei Parajanov and French-Armenian chansonnier Charles Aznavour.
The Armenian Film Festival 2024 opens with the world premiere of “The Golden Chain of Mercy“, a groundbreaking documentary highlighting Australia and New Zealand’s humanitarian aid efforts following the Armenian Genocide. Also included is the comedic “Women in Black”, the epic wartime drama “It’s Spring” and award winning feature films and shorts.
