ABOUT

ArmDoc Armenian Documentary Association – is emerging at a critical moment for Armenia’s cultural and civic life. For years, the country’s documentary filmmakers have worked in fragmented ways, with limited opportunities for coordination, advocacy, or sustainable development. The absence of a representative association has left individual filmmakers vulnerable in negotiations with broadcasters and state institutions, and without a common platform to present Armenian documentary cinema internationally. ArmDoc responds directly to this vacuum by establishing a member-based body that brings together directors, producers, technicians, curators, and educators, creating a forum where the sector’s needs can be articulated and addressed collectively.

Mission and Priorities The association’s mission extends beyond professional representation. By fostering inclusive, supporting women and young filmmakers, and engaging socially vulnerable groups and ethnic minorities, ArmDoc aspires to create a space where documentary cinema reflects the full diversity of Armenian society. In this sense, it positions itself not only as an industry actor, but also as a civic platform contributing to cultural resilience and democratic dialogue. Its founding priorities include building transparent governance procedures, securing access to both local and international markets, and promoting fairer working conditions within Armenia’s media and cultural institutions.

Objectives of ArmDoc

ArmDoc is dedicated to fostering a vibrant and inclusive documentary film landscape in Armenia. Our core objectives are:

1. Promote Documentary Film Development:

We aim to cultivate a sustainable ecosystem for documentary cinema in Armenia. This includes implementing educational programs, professional courses, training, consultations, screenings, and other relevant events.

2. Empower Film Professionals:

We seek to empower film professionals by introducing innovative technologies to the sector and expanding international cooperation. We’ll achieve this by leveraging the potential of local and international, state, private, and other organizations and bodies.

3. Ensure Inclusive Development:

We’re committed to promoting the inclusive development of documentary cinema in Armenia, ensuring equal opportunities and diversity within the sector.

4. Protect Creative Freedom and Rights:

We strive to foster the ability of filmmakers to create freely, protect the rights of industry professionals, eliminate all forms of discrimination, and contribute to the development of a culture of peace.

5. Foster Inclusivity and Diversity:

We aim to encourage the involvement of women, youth, individuals with limited abilities, and socially vulnerable groups in the sector. This involves promoting gender equality, enhancing the visibility of national minority stories, and fostering social inclusion.

6. Internationalize Armenian Documentary Cinema:

We are dedicated to the internationalization of Armenian documentary cinema and its global integration. We’ll achieve this by developing cultural cooperation among organizations and individuals in Armenia, the Armenian Diaspora, and abroad, facilitating professional exchanges, ensuring the international involvement of Armenian artists, and strengthening cultural ties.

7. Enhance Public Impact:

We aim to elevate the role and impact of documentary cinema in society, promoting the dissemination and public awareness of documentary films.

ArmDoc Strategy and mission

Activities in Armenia
International Activities
Fundraising Initiatives
Long-Term Plans

Our activities in Armenia are designed to strengthen the local documentary film community and increase the visibility of Armenian documentaries. Here’s what we’ll be doing:

Community Meetings: We’ll organize four annual meetings for members of the documentary community to discuss our organization’s news and updates.
Screening Opportunities for Members: We’ll create opportunities for members to hold Focus screenings (for audience feedback) and Test screenings (for technical checks) of their films.

Showcasing Armenian Documentaries on TV: We plan to arrange screenings of Armenian documentaries on Armenian TV channels, ensuring that authors are paid for their work.

Collaborating with Streaming Platforms: We’ll secure agreements with Armenian streaming platforms to make Armenian documentaries more accessible to a wider audience.

Workshops: We’ll organize and conduct workshops throughout Armenia to help filmmakers develop their skills.

Partnerships: We’ll work with other state and private organizations and bodies to advance the documentary film sector nationwide.

Screenings: We’ll organize and promote film screenings across all of Armenia to increase public awareness and appreciation for documentary cinema.

Our international engagement aims to position Armenia as a key player in the global documentary film scene and create vital opportunities for Armenian documentarians. Here’s how we plan to achieve this:

European Association Engagement: We’ll participate in the major gathering of the European Documentary Association at IDFA 2025 and become a member of it.
Festival and Market Participation: We’ll forge new connections and explore collaboration opportunities with various documentary film markets, workshops, and other platforms worldwide.
International Screenings: We’ll organize screenings of Armenian documentary films abroad, including within the Diaspora.
Securing International Funding & Representation: We’ll become active participants and members of major international funds and representative platforms.
Elevating Armenia’s Profile: We’ll develop, present, and position Armenia as a strong and important hub in the world of documentary film making. We’ll continue to hold a regional workshop/pitching and co-production forum at least once a year, and aim to do even more.

Our fundraising strategy focuses on securing diverse funding to support our programs and priorities. We’ll be:

Applying for grants: We’ll actively seek out local and international grants that align with our projects and priorities.
Building connections: We’ll establish relationships with major organizations operating in Armenia, including the EU, GIZ, British Council, and various embassies. Already good friends with The French Institute.
Creating a support network: We plan to establish a club for individuals and organizations who wish to support our mission. We will have membership fee, but it's too small to sustain us, at least for now.

Our long-term vision includes foundational initiatives to ensure the sustainable growth and development of the documentary film sector in Armenia:
Comprehensive Sector Research: We will conduct in-depth research into the challenges and opportunities within the industry.
We plan to found a Human Rights Film Festival in Armenia. This will provide a crucial platform for films that shed light on human rights issues and foster discussion.
Creation of an Independent Production Fund: We will work towards establishing an alternative fund that operates independently of state funding to ensure creative freedom and sustainability within the industry.

ArmDoc Armenian Documentary Association