Sharpen your craft. Build your network. Get your film made.
The AFFA Film & Screen Lab is a two-day experience designed for filmmakers, screen creatives and students who are serious about their craft – whether you’re studying, breaking in or already working in the industry, this program takes you inside the real-world process of bringing a film to life, from idea to the screen.
Across the two days, you’ll get access to acclaimed Australian and international presenters and experts.
The Lab opens with a special 10th Anniversary screening of Lion (2016) – a milestone shared by both the film and AFFA in 2026, followed by a Q&A with the film’s Executive Producer Shahen Mekertichian.
After the screening, participants are invited to an exclusive networking event and the launch of the AFFA Film & Screen Network, in partnership with the Armenian Film Society (AFS). A first of its kind in Australia, the Network brings together filmmakers, creatives and industry professionals connected by an interest in Armenian storytelling and screen culture, to foster mentorship, collaboration and support for the next generation of screen talent. Meet Armen Karaoghlanian (Founder and CEO Armenian Film Society), Shahen Mekertichian and fellow participants.
Day two is a full day of practical, interactive workshops, moderated by Armen Karaoghlanian alongside speakers from Animal Logic Entertainment, Truant Pictures and NIDA. Covering the real mechanics of getting a film made; story development and pitch decks, production design to film financing, festival strategy, and marketing & distribution. You’ll go behind-the-scenes of a short film Love Thy Neighbor in a live case study, with virtual Q&A alongside award-winning actor and director Michael Goorjian (Amerikatsi).
Places are strictly limited, ensuring an intimate experience with genuine access to the people shaping screen storytelling today.
Program highlights:
- Learn from the best – A full day of practical, hands-on workshops led by acclaimed Australian and international filmmakers, producers and industry leaders from Animal Logic Entertainment, Truant Pictures and NIDA.
- 10th Anniversary screening of Lion (2016) – Kick off with a special inspiration session with an exclusive Q&A, marking a decade of both the film and AFFA.
- Build your network – Be part of the launch of the AFFA Film & Screen Network, the first network connecting Armenian storytellers and screen talent.
- Script to screen – practical advice – Story development, pitch decks, production design, financing, festival strategy and distribution.
- Real-world case study – Go behind the scenes of the short film Love Thy Neighbour with a live virtual Q&A with director Michael Goorjian.
- Strictly limited places – An intimate setting with priority for film and screen students and professionals.
Dates & Inclusions:
Day 1: Thursday 24 September 2026
6:45 PM Lion 10th Anniversary Screening & Q&A. Venue: Event Cinemas Top Ryde
9:00 PM Following the screening, participate in a networking event and the launch of the AFFA Film & Screen Network. Venue: Vmax Bar, Event Cinemas Top Ryde
Day 2: Saturday 26 September 2026
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM AFFA Film & Screen Lab. Full day workshops. Includes refreshments. Venue: Camperdown.
Cost: This 2 day event is all inclusive including refreshments and is fully subsidised thanks to the generosity of our sponsors. We only request a $20 booking fee to secure your spot.
How to Apply
Places are strictly limited and offered through an Expression of Interest process.
To apply, email parev@armenianfilmfestival.com.au with your name and a short paragraph (max 150 words) outlining how participation in the program would support your creative or professional development.
The AFFA Film & Screen Lab supports the development of Armenian stories, voices and screen talent in Australia. Applications are welcome from filmmakers, screen creatives and students whose work or aspirations align with this purpose, with priority given to those contributing to Armenian storytelling and screen culture.
Applications close on 24 September 2026, or earlier if capacity is reached.
Successful applicants will be notified by email. You will be asked to make a $20 payment to secure your place.
Featured Industry Leaders
Learn directly from industry experts from Animal Logic Entertainment, Truant Pictures, NIDA and beyond.
Felicity Staunton
Executive Vice President, Animal Logic Entertainment
Felicity Staunton oversees development and production at Animal Logic Entertainment in Los Angeles, leading a slate of animated, hybrid and live-action projects. Her credits include Peter Rabbit and Peter Rabbit 2. With extensive experience across development, production and studio partnerships, she is passionate about nurturing emerging talent and developing stories with global audience appeal.
Toby Nalbandian
VP Development & Production, Truant Pictures
Toby Nalbandian is Vice President of Production & Development at Truant Pictures, overseeing feature film, television and documentary projects. Previously at Animal Logic Entertainment, he contributed to the Peter Rabbit franchise. His recent producer credits include Turn Me On, I Don’t Understand You, Mouse and God Bless You Mr. Kopu. Toby divides his time between Sydney and Los Angeles.
Gregory Schmidt
VP Development & Production, Truant Pictures
Gregory Schmidt oversees Truant Pictures’ slate of feature films, documentaries and television projects. Prior to helping launch Truant, he worked across Animal Logic Entertainment’s animation and live-action slate, including the Peter Rabbit franchise. His producing credits include Turn Me On, I Don’t Understand You, The Reunion and Mouse. Gregory is based in Los Angeles.
Sasha Burrows
Head of Business Affairs, Animal Logic Entertainment & Truant Pictures
Sasha Burrows leads business affairs and legal strategy across Animal Logic Entertainment and Truant Pictures, supporting the development, production and financing of film and television projects. Before joining the companies in 2019, she served as Head of Business Affairs at See-Saw Films and Head of Legal at National Geographic Channel Europe.
Felicity Coonan
Creative Director, Animal Logic Entertainment
Felicity Coonan is a creative director, curator and visual anthropologist working across feature film, publishing and immersive experiences. Her film credits include The Magician’s Elephant, The LEGO Movie, The LEGO NINJAGO Movie, Peter Rabbit, Happy Feet and Legend of the Guardians. She is particularly interested in neuroscience-informed storytelling and emerging technologies in creative practice.
Bob Cousins
Designer & Course Leader, Design for Performance, NIDA
Bob Cousins is an award-winning designer whose work spans opera, theatre, dance and film. His designs have been presented internationally across Europe, North America, Asia and Australia. Credits include King Lear, War of the Roses, Cloudstreet, Happy Feet, Romulus, My Father and Balibo. In 2012, he received a Sidney Myer Creative Fellowship in recognition of his contribution to the arts.
Joe Hepworth
Head of Dramatic Writing, NIDA
Joe Hepworth is Head of Dramatic Writing at NIDA and has more than 15 years’ experience as a writer for film and television. His credits include the BAFTA-nominated BBC series All At Sea. A screenwriting educator who has taught internationally, Joe is passionate about developing storytellers and amplifying underrepresented voices through screen stories, education and community-based filmmaking initiatives.
Armen Karaoghlanian
Founder and CEO of Armenian Film Society
Armen Karaoghlanian is the Founder and CEO of Armenian Film Society, a creative and cultural platform connecting filmmakers and audiences while expanding the visibility and reach of Armenian cinema and filmmakers internationally.
Michael Goorjian
Actor, Writer, Director & Producer
Michael Goorjian is an Emmy Award-winning actor, writer and director best known for writing, directing and starring in Amerikatsi, Armenia’s official submission for the 96th Academy Awards. With a career spanning film, television and theatre, his credits include Party of Five, SLC Punk! and David’s Mother, for which he received an Emmy Award. He is passionate about championing Armenian stories and emerging filmmakers.
Shahen Mekertichian
Co-founder Sunstar Entertainment, Director Liquid Capital Management
Shahen Mekertichian is an Australian film producer and investor whose screen credits include Executive Producer of the Academy Award-nominated Lion and the Netflix feature True Spirit. Through Sunstar Entertainment, he has helped bring major Australian and international film projects to life.
Inna Sahakyan
Documentary film director, producer, and scriptwriter
Inna Sahakyan is one of Armenia’s leading documentary filmmakers, known for powerful stories exploring memory, identity and resilience. Her acclaimed works include The Last Tightrope Dancer in Armenia, Mel and the award-winning animated documentary Aurora’s Sunrise. Her films have screened internationally, establishing her as a leading voice in Armenian cinema.
