Festival Guests
ARAMAZT KALAYJIAN
Aramazt Kalayjian is an American-Armenian filmmaker from New York, USA, with a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts in Communications Design from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn. His earlier work focused on advertising before studying independent documentary filmmaking at the Maysles Institute in East Harlem. Kalayjian directed the music video for Vahe, which received recognition in Africa. Tezeta is Kalayjian’s first feature documentary, shot over a decade. Currently residing in both New York and Yerevan, he is working on a screenplay for a taxi driver anthology and a documentary about the global obesity epidemic.
Aramazt is a virtual guest in Sydney for his screening of Tezeta.
ANNA MAXIM
Anna Maxim Harutyunyan is an Armenian filmmaker and member of the Guild of Armenian Directors and Producers. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Acting from the Yerevan State Institute of Theatre and Cinematography (YSITC) and a Master’s degree in Film Directing from the Gerasimov Institute of Cinematography (VGIK) in Moscow. Anna is known for her impactful performances as an actress. She recently debuted as both director and lead actress in The Reverse Side of the Medal (2024), portraying a weightlifter in a role that has garnered significant acclaim.
Anna is in Sydney for her film The Reverse Side of the Medal.
VAHE KEUSHGUERIAN
Vahe Keushguerian is the Founder & CEO of WineWorks, a winery incubator producing wine for 14 top Armenian brands. He co-founded EVN Wine Academy and owns nurseries propagating indigenous Armenian grape varieties. With 30 years in the global wine industry, Vahe’s experience spans restaurants and distribution in California, and internationally recognised wineries in Italy. Moving to Armenia in 2009, he consulted on new wineries and started the Karas Wine project. In 2013, he founded WineWorks and Keush, pioneering traditional method sparkling wine. Vahe co-founded OSHIN in 2017 and partnered with ONEArmenia and DZ Studio to support grape farmers. He also co-founded EVN Report and Impact Hub Yerevan, contributing to civil society.
Vahe is in Sydney for his film SOMM: The Cup of Salvation, and the Meet the Winemaker & Tasting Experience.
MARK HAROUTONIAN
11-year-old Mark is an Australian-Armenian/Italian performer passionate about acting, dancing, singing, and music. He stars in the award-winning short film Wilfred Gordon McDonald Partridge, featuring Benita Collings (Playschool) and Bruce Spence (Star Wars). The film has received multiple accolades and screened at major festivals worldwide. Mark has appeared in national TV commercials for major brands such as KFC, Tip Top Bread. He currently plays Lord Farquaad in Shrek the Musical Jr, presented by The Arts Unit’s Combined Schools Musical program.
Mark is in Sydney for his film Wilfred Gordon McDonald Partridge.
SAREEN HAIRABEDIAN
