Jerome Laxale (Bennelong, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

Tomorrow night, I'll be heading over to Event Cinemas in Top Ryde to join Bennelong's vibrant Armenian community for the opening night of the Armenian Film Festival Australia. The film festival showcases the best Armenian films and is the only platform of its kind in Australia. Established in 2016, the Armenian Film Festival Australia has grown significantly, including feature films, documentaries, animations and short films in a broad range of genres. The festival's purpose is to showcase the rich Armenian culture and their tragic history, resilience and language through the medium of film, providing an opportunity for talent, creativity and storytelling. Particularly of note this year is the first-ever screening of The Golden Chain of Mercy, which features the untold story of Australia's connection to the Armenian genocide, unveiling a poignant story of survival where Anzac soldiers came to Armenia's aid amidst the cruelty of the genocide.

Through these films, the Armenian Film Festival aims to entertain and inspire audiences, imploring them to challenge perspectives and open their eyes to the many issues Armenia faces today. The Armenian Film Festival begins tomorrow night with a customary gala opening—the gala night. The whole film festival runs right through to 25 August. I'd encourage all locals in Bennelong to pop up to Top Ryde and have a look.

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