top of page
ArmDoc Armenian
Documentary Association
Founders of the Association
Arevik Avanesyan
President of ArmDoc - Producer, Distributor
Arevik Avanesyan started her filmmaking career at HayFilm School (2006-2008) after earning a Master’s in Mathematics from Yerevan State University. With over a decade in film production, she participated in Talents Sarajevo (2014) and various industry events like B2B Doc Network at Kiev Media Week (2017) and Baltic Sea Forum (2018), Leipzig market (2024).
From 2012 -2014 she was a producer at HY pictures and From 2015-2019, she was a producer at Bars Media documentary film studio.
She founded “2+3” Production and leads UP NGO, promoting Armenia’s film industry, also created PlatformDoc distribution of documentary films. She is also co-founder and head of ArmDoc – Armenian Documentary Association (2025). Always advocating for documentary film making and the field.
Arevik Avanesyan started her filmmaking career at HayFilm School (2006-2008) after earning a Master’s in Mathematics from Yerevan State University. With over a decade in film production, she participated in Talents Sarajevo (2014) and various industry events like B2B Doc Network at Kiev Media Week (2017) and Baltic Sea Forum (2018), Leipzig market (2024).
From 2012 -2014 she was a producer at HY pictures and From 2015-2019, she was a producer at Bars Media documentary film studio.
She founded “2+3” Production and leads UP NGO, promoting Armenia’s film industry, also created PlatformDoc distribution of documentary films. She is also co-founder and head of ArmDoc – Armenian Documentary Association (2025). Always advocating for documentary film making and the field.
Silva Khnkanosyan
Secretariat of ArmDoc - Director, Producer
Silva Khnkanosyan is an Armenian documentary film director and producer. She received her education at the Faculty of Journalism at YSU and participated in VGIK summer courses. Silva has worked as a journalist, camera operator, photographer, and editor for various organizations, including “168 Hours,” “Radio Liberty,” and Jellysmack company.
Her most recognized documentary works are “Nothing to be afraid of” (2019) and “Far from Michigan” (2023), which have received numerous international awards and been screened at prestigious festivals such as DOK Leipzig, IFFR Rotterdam, RIDM (Quebec), Miradasdoc (Spain), Cinéma du Réel (Paris), TIDF (Taipei), Film Festival Cottbus and Golden Apricot. Currently, Silva is working on her new project, “Second Life,” and continues to create films on important social topics that have a significant impact in the international film arena.
Silva Khnkanosyan is an Armenian documentary film director and producer. She received her education at the Faculty of Journalism at YSU and participated in VGIK summer courses. Silva has worked as a journalist, camera operator, photographer, and editor for various organizations, including “168 Hours,” “Radio Liberty,” and Jellysmack company.
Her most recognized documentary works are “Nothing to be afraid of” (2019) and “Far from Michigan” (2023), which have received numerous international awards and been screened at prestigious festivals such as DOK Leipzig, IFFR Rotterdam, RIDM (Quebec), Miradasdoc (Spain), Cinéma du Réel (Paris), TIDF (Taipei), Film Festival Cottbus and Golden Apricot. Currently, Silva is working on her new project, “Second Life,” and continues to create films on important social topics that have a significant impact in the international film arena.
Seg Kirakossian
Director, Producer, Researcher - Imagicus Production
Seg Kirakossian is a documentary film director, producer, and researcher. Graduated documentary film directing (BA, MA) at Yerevan State Institute of Theatre and Cinematography (2006 – 2013). More than 10 of his documentaries were aired on national and international TV stations. Seg Kirakossian’s film “Purification” is expected to be released in 2025. It was filmed in more than 15 countries for around 10 years. At the University of Luxembourg, Seg Kirakossian is doing a PhD research on the topic “Vices and Virtues of Material Constraints for Documentary Film Aesthetics (Based on the Luxembourgish and Armenian Documentary Films)”. In 2015, he founded Doctor Cinema Youth Center, which organizes international educational projects on Documentary film making and supports young filmmakers in international co-production. He is also the owner of Imagicus Production which is specialized in documentary film production.
Seg Kirakossian is a documentary film director, producer, and researcher. Graduated documentary film directing (BA, MA) at Yerevan State Institute of Theatre and Cinematography (2006 – 2013). More than 10 of his documentaries were aired on national and international TV stations. Seg Kirakossian’s film “Purification” is expected to be released in 2025. It was filmed in more than 15 countries for around 10 years. At the University of Luxembourg, Seg Kirakossian is doing a PhD research on the topic “Vices and Virtues of Material Constraints for Documentary Film Aesthetics (Based on the Luxembourgish and Armenian Documentary Films)”. In 2015, he founded Doctor Cinema Youth Center, which organizes international educational projects on Documentary film making and supports young filmmakers in international co-production. He is also the owner of Imagicus Production which is specialized in documentary film production.
Seda Grigoryan
Media specialist, Director
Seda Grigoryan is a documentary filmmaker and media specialist with nearly two decades of professional experience. She received her education in film and media from the Yerevan State Institute of Theatre and Cinematography, Florida State University (USA), and the University of West London (UK).
From 2011 to 2016, Seda served as the Chief Director of CivilNet, an online television channel, playing a key role in shaping the platform’s visual and editorial identity.
Her 2017 documentary film “The Way Home” received the Best Short Documentary award at the NOUR International Film Festival in Toronto, Canada. The film explores personal and collective themes such as repatriation, identity, and memory.
Seda has participated in numerous professional development programs and forums organized by Internews (Media Initiatives Center), the Golden Apricot International Film Festival, Canal France International, EAVE On-Demand, among others.
Since 2024, Seda Grigoryan has been the Video Production Producer at Hetq, an investigative online media outlet, contributing to the creation of in-depth video journalism and documentary content.
Seda Grigoryan is a documentary filmmaker and media specialist with nearly two decades of professional experience. She received her education in film and media from the Yerevan State Institute of Theatre and Cinematography, Florida State University (USA), and the University of West London (UK).
From 2011 to 2016, Seda served as the Chief Director of CivilNet, an online television channel, playing a key role in shaping the platform’s visual and editorial identity.
Her 2017 documentary film “The Way Home” received the Best Short Documentary award at the NOUR International Film Festival in Toronto, Canada. The film explores personal and collective themes such as repatriation, identity, and memory.
Seda has participated in numerous professional development programs and forums organized by Internews (Media Initiatives Center), the Golden Apricot International Film Festival, Canal France International, EAVE On-Demand, among others.
Since 2024, Seda Grigoryan has been the Video Production Producer at Hetq, an investigative online media outlet, contributing to the creation of in-depth video journalism and documentary content.
Grigor Poghosyan
Director, Producer - Mooflon studio
Young filmmaker born and raised in Armenia’s post-industrial city Vanadzor. Studied in YSITC Vanadzor branch.
So far Grigor produced and Directed 4 short documentaries: “Khash” “Where are we going” “Affected youth” “Karot”. In 2020 Grigor established Mooflon studio where he is now working on his first feature length documentary and debut short animation.
Young filmmaker born and raised in Armenia’s post-industrial city Vanadzor. Studied in YSITC Vanadzor branch.
So far Grigor produced and Directed 4 short documentaries: “Khash” “Where are we going” “Affected youth” “Karot”. In 2020 Grigor established Mooflon studio where he is now working on his first feature length documentary and debut short animation.
Nairi Hakhverdi
Literary translator, Writer, and Filmmaker
Nairi Hakhverdi is a literary translator, writer, and filmmaker. She was born in the Netherlands to Armenian parents from Iran, and studied English language and literature at the University of Leiden. Since 2001, she has regularly traveled and lived in Armenia for extended periods of time. Her first feature-length screenplay, The Driver, was selected to participate in EAVE on Demand, BOZAR, and the Berlinale Talents Project Market. She is currently working on her first feature-length documentary, Between the Rails, which won the CineDoc 2023 New Talents Caucasus Award for Post-Production, and her second feature-length screenplay, Bodil. Her first mid-length documentary, Sweeping Yerevan, about a woman who risks her life every night sweeping the streets of Yerevan to provide for her family, won Best Documentary at Ramsgate Film Festival.
Nairi Hakhverdi is a literary translator, writer, and filmmaker. She was born in the Netherlands to Armenian parents from Iran, and studied English language and literature at the University of Leiden. Since 2001, she has regularly traveled and lived in Armenia for extended periods of time. Her first feature-length screenplay, The Driver, was selected to participate in EAVE on Demand, BOZAR, and the Berlinale Talents Project Market. She is currently working on her first feature-length documentary, Between the Rails, which won the CineDoc 2023 New Talents Caucasus Award for Post-Production, and her second feature-length screenplay, Bodil. Her first mid-length documentary, Sweeping Yerevan, about a woman who risks her life every night sweeping the streets of Yerevan to provide for her family, won Best Documentary at Ramsgate Film Festival.
Members of the Association
Inna Sahakyan
Director, Producer - Bars Media Documentary Film Studio.
Inna Sahakyan is a documentary director who tells overlooked human stories through intimate, character-driven narratives, often centered on women, justice, and resilience. Her most recent animated documentary, Aurora’s Sunrise, screened at more than 80 festivals worldwide and received major awards, including at APSA, Movies that Matter, and IDFA. She has just completed Outliving Shakespeare, set in a crumbling retirement home where elders turn to theater as a way to outlive loneliness and loss. Previous works include The Last Tightrope Dancer in Armenia and Mel. She is now directing In Front of Us, a documentary about the fight for international justice in the aftermath of war crimes.
Inna Sahakyan is a documentary director who tells overlooked human stories through intimate, character-driven narratives, often centered on women, justice, and resilience. Her most recent animated documentary, Aurora’s Sunrise, screened at more than 80 festivals worldwide and received major awards, including at APSA, Movies that Matter, and IDFA. She has just completed Outliving Shakespeare, set in a crumbling retirement home where elders turn to theater as a way to outlive loneliness and loss. Previous works include The Last Tightrope Dancer in Armenia and Mel. She is now directing In Front of Us, a documentary about the fight for international justice in the aftermath of war crimes.
Marat Hayk Sargsyan
Director, Producer
Marat Sargsyan is a director, screenwriter, and lecturer born in Vanadzor, Armenia. He began his career in film working as a cameraman and editor at a local television company before relocating to Lithuania, where he earned his master's degree from the Lithuanian Academy of Theatre and Cinema in 2011. He is known for his films "Lernavan" (2009), "Father" (2012), "There Will Be No Flood" (2020), and "Bogdanas Wants to Stay" (2023). His works have been screened at numerous international film festivals, including the Venice International Film Festival, Visions du Réel in Nyon, Switzerland, Krakow International Film Festival, Vilnius International Film Festival, and Golden Apricot Film Festival. In 2020, he shot his debut feature film "There Will Be No Flood," which premiered in the Critics' Week competition at the 77th Venice Film Festival. Currently, Marat Sargsyan is filming his new feature film "The Grand Inquisitor," teaches in various countries, and holds the title of associate professor.
Marat Sargsyan is a director, screenwriter, and lecturer born in Vanadzor, Armenia. He began his career in film working as a cameraman and editor at a local television company before relocating to Lithuania, where he earned his master's degree from the Lithuanian Academy of Theatre and Cinema in 2011. He is known for his films "Lernavan" (2009), "Father" (2012), "There Will Be No Flood" (2020), and "Bogdanas Wants to Stay" (2023). His works have been screened at numerous international film festivals, including the Venice International Film Festival, Visions du Réel in Nyon, Switzerland, Krakow International Film Festival, Vilnius International Film Festival, and Golden Apricot Film Festival. In 2020, he shot his debut feature film "There Will Be No Flood," which premiered in the Critics' Week competition at the 77th Venice Film Festival. Currently, Marat Sargsyan is filming his new feature film "The Grand Inquisitor," teaches in various countries, and holds the title of associate professor.
Sareen Hairabedian
Director, producer
Sareen is an Armenian-Jordanian documentary filmmaker based in the U.S. Through her intimate observational filming style, she captures the untold stories of the underrepresented. Her directorial debut, We Are Not Done Yet (HBO), follows U.S. veterans grappling with PTSD who turn to poetry as a path to healing. The 40-minute film won Best Documentary at the G.I. Film Festival and was nominated for Best Documentary Short at the 2018 IDA Awards. Her feature debut, My Sweet Land (Sheffield DocFest, 2024), traces one child’s journey through war, dreams, and hope in his homeland Artsakh. The film has toured more than 20 international festivals, was Jordan’s Official Submission to the 97th Academy Awards for Best International Feature Film, and has earned multiple awards including the Jury Award, Audience Award, and FIPRESCI Award at the Amman International Film Festival, the Silver Award at Festival della Lessinia in Italy, and three nominations at the 2024 IDA Awards. Hairabedian is currently developing a slate of documentary projects that explore deeply personal yet universally resonant stories.
Sareen is an Armenian-Jordanian documentary filmmaker based in the U.S. Through her intimate observational filming style, she captures the untold stories of the underrepresented. Her directorial debut, We Are Not Done Yet (HBO), follows U.S. veterans grappling with PTSD who turn to poetry as a path to healing. The 40-minute film won Best Documentary at the G.I. Film Festival and was nominated for Best Documentary Short at the 2018 IDA Awards. Her feature debut, My Sweet Land (Sheffield DocFest, 2024), traces one child’s journey through war, dreams, and hope in his homeland Artsakh. The film has toured more than 20 international festivals, was Jordan’s Official Submission to the 97th Academy Awards for Best International Feature Film, and has earned multiple awards including the Jury Award, Audience Award, and FIPRESCI Award at the Amman International Film Festival, the Silver Award at Festival della Lessinia in Italy, and three nominations at the 2024 IDA Awards. Hairabedian is currently developing a slate of documentary projects that explore deeply personal yet universally resonant stories.
Gohar Sargsyan
Director, Multimedia journalist
Gohar Sargsyan is a multimedia journalist originally from Artsakh, currently living in Yerevan. Her work focuses on real, vulnerable stories that become universal precisely through her personal nature. In 2023–2024, she studied at Hetq Media Factory. Before that, she graduated from Vahan Tekeyan School in Berdzor and later continued her education in Shushi, at the Arsen Khachatryan State Humanitarian College.
Gohar Sargsyan is a multimedia journalist originally from Artsakh, currently living in Yerevan. Her work focuses on real, vulnerable stories that become universal precisely through her personal nature. In 2023–2024, she studied at Hetq Media Factory. Before that, she graduated from Vahan Tekeyan School in Berdzor and later continued her education in Shushi, at the Arsen Khachatryan State Humanitarian College.
Narek Nazaryan
Producer
Narek Nazaryan is a film producer and founder of DeFlick Production Company. He started working in documentary films as an editor in silence 2014 and later moved into producing his own projects. His works include the short fiction film Au79 and the documentary Filling the Frame (in progress). He also helped with the distribution of several films like Under the Open Sky, Hello Fellini, and The Subscriber is Temporarily Unavailable and also produced many future and animation projects. Prefers to keep full creative control and focuses on clear, strong storytelling in both fiction and documentary formats.
Narek Nazaryan is a film producer and founder of DeFlick Production Company. He started working in documentary films as an editor in silence 2014 and later moved into producing his own projects. His works include the short fiction film Au79 and the documentary Filling the Frame (in progress). He also helped with the distribution of several films like Under the Open Sky, Hello Fellini, and The Subscriber is Temporarily Unavailable and also produced many future and animation projects. Prefers to keep full creative control and focuses on clear, strong storytelling in both fiction and documentary formats.
Lilit Movsisyan
Director, Trainer, Producer - Motif Films, TUMO
Lilit Movsisyan graduated from Yerevan State Institute of Theater and Cinematography with honors in 2009 with her film Voiceless. In 2011, a short clip she filmed was featured in the opening sequence of Ridley Scott’s documentary Life In A Day. In 2012, her short Me Too won three prizes at the Syracuse International Film Festival. In 2015, Movsisyan was selected as a Talent in Sarajevo. Her latest shorts, THE TRIAL and SEAGULLS were in festivals. Her first feature documentary film FIGHT premiered in Cottbus IFF.
Lilit Movsisyan graduated from Yerevan State Institute of Theater and Cinematography with honors in 2009 with her film Voiceless. In 2011, a short clip she filmed was featured in the opening sequence of Ridley Scott’s documentary Life In A Day. In 2012, her short Me Too won three prizes at the Syracuse International Film Festival. In 2015, Movsisyan was selected as a Talent in Sarajevo. Her latest shorts, THE TRIAL and SEAGULLS were in festivals. Her first feature documentary film FIGHT premiered in Cottbus IFF.
Hovhannes Ishkhanyan
Producer, Director, Activist
Hovhannes, a writer and a journalist, was born in Yerevan, in 1988. He worked at “Ankakh”, “Yerkir” and “Aravot” newspapers. Currently is the editor of 'Public Information and Need of Knowledge (PINK Armenia) human rights NGO’, 'As You' online media outlet and researcher on the LGBT situation in Armenia. After graduating from Georgian Institute of Public affairs, besides creating journalistic pieces, he also worked on documentary films. He is the author of one documentary, 'Family Album' and the script writer of 'Listen to me: untold stories beyond hatred' films.
Hovhannes, a writer and a journalist, was born in Yerevan, in 1988. He worked at “Ankakh”, “Yerkir” and “Aravot” newspapers. Currently is the editor of 'Public Information and Need of Knowledge (PINK Armenia) human rights NGO’, 'As You' online media outlet and researcher on the LGBT situation in Armenia. After graduating from Georgian Institute of Public affairs, besides creating journalistic pieces, he also worked on documentary films. He is the author of one documentary, 'Family Album' and the script writer of 'Listen to me: untold stories beyond hatred' films.
Svetlana Harutyunyan
Line producer - Order Films
Svetlana is an executive producer working in the direction of creating documentary films about culture and history. Currently, she is leading the production of three films dedicated to great figures of Armenian culture: Paruyr Sevak, Axel Bakunts, and Yervand Kochar. Her work as a producer includes organizing film financing, finding international (and other) partners, and managing all aspects of the production process. Her goal is to present Armenian cultural heritage in an interesting and innovative way and to help make these stories accessible to international audiences.
Svetlana is an executive producer working in the direction of creating documentary films about culture and history. Currently, she is leading the production of three films dedicated to great figures of Armenian culture: Paruyr Sevak, Axel Bakunts, and Yervand Kochar. Her work as a producer includes organizing film financing, finding international (and other) partners, and managing all aspects of the production process. Her goal is to present Armenian cultural heritage in an interesting and innovative way and to help make these stories accessible to international audiences.
Sona Aleksanyan
Script Writer
Sona is a psychologist by profession and works as a screenwriter for documentary films.
Sona is a psychologist by profession and works as a screenwriter for documentary films.
Essam Nagy
Director, Producer, Trainer
Essam Nagy is a documentary filmmaker, producer and director. He filmed and produced documentaries in many countries, among them: Iraq, Brazil, South Africa, Rwanda, Armenia, Uganda and more. Started Firsttree.art, an art production initiative which promotes and produces art projects in MENA.
Essam Nagy is a documentary filmmaker, producer and director. He filmed and produced documentaries in many countries, among them: Iraq, Brazil, South Africa, Rwanda, Armenia, Uganda and more. Started Firsttree.art, an art production initiative which promotes and produces art projects in MENA.
Stella Hambaryan
Photographer, Marketing student
Stella Hambaryan is a Marketing student at the French University in Armenia, specializing in cultural and artistic communication. Alongside her studies, she is developing her practice in documentary photography, focusing on social themes and authentic visual narratives. She graduated from the Medialab Visual Art School, where she deepened her understanding of visual language and artistic storytelling. Stella participated in the EurasiaDoc workshop, gaining experience in the development of creative documentary projects. Her work reflects an interest in the intersection of marketing, art, and human stories, aiming to contribute to the cultural and visual arts field. Ստելլա Համբարյանը Հայաստանում Ֆրանսիական համալսարանի մարքեթինգի բաժնի ուսանողուհի է՝ մասնագիտանալով մշակութային և գեղարվեստական հաղորդակցության ոլորտում։ Ուսման հետ զուգահեռ նա զարգացնում է իր վավերագրական լուսանկարչության փորձը՝ կենտրոնանալով սոցիալական թեմաների և իսկական տեսողական պատմությունների վրա։ Նա ավարտել է Մեդիալաբ տեսողական արվեստի դպրոցը, որտեղ խորացրել է իր գիտելիքները տեսողական լեզվի և պատմողականության ոլորտներում։ Ստելլան մասնակցել է EurasiaDoc աշխատարանին՝ ձեռք բերելով փորձ ստեղծագործ վավերագրական նախագծերի մշակման մեջ։ Նրա աշխատանքը միավորում է մարքեթինգը, արվեստը և մարդկային պատմությունները՝ նպատակ ունենալով նպաստել մշակութային և տեսողական արվեստների զարգացմանը։
Form_Responses
Stella Hambaryan is a Marketing student at the French University in Armenia, specializing in cultural and artistic communication. Alongside her studies, she is developing her practice in documentary photography, focusing on social themes and authentic visual narratives. She graduated from the Medialab Visual Art School, where she deepened her understanding of visual language and artistic storytelling. Stella participated in the EurasiaDoc workshop, gaining experience in the development of creative documentary projects. Her work reflects an interest in the intersection of marketing, art, and human stories, aiming to contribute to the cultural and visual arts field.
Stella Hambaryan is a Marketing student at the French University in Armenia, specializing in cultural and artistic communication. Alongside her studies, she is developing her practice in documentary photography, focusing on social themes and authentic visual narratives. She graduated from the Medialab Visual Art School, where she deepened her understanding of visual language and artistic storytelling. Stella participated in the EurasiaDoc workshop, gaining experience in the development of creative documentary projects. Her work reflects an interest in the intersection of marketing, art, and human stories, aiming to contribute to the cultural and visual arts field. Ստելլա Համբարյանը Հայաստանում Ֆրանսիական համալսարանի մարքեթինգի բաժնի ուսանողուհի է՝ մասնագիտանալով մշակութային և գեղարվեստական հաղորդակցության ոլորտում։ Ուսման հետ զուգահեռ նա զարգացնում է իր վավերագրական լուսանկարչության փորձը՝ կենտրոնանալով սոցիալական թեմաների և իսկական տեսողական պատմությունների վրա։ Նա ավարտել է Մեդիալաբ տեսողական արվեստի դպրոցը, որտեղ խորացրել է իր գիտելիքները տեսողական լեզվի և պատմողականության ոլորտներում։ Ստելլան մասնակցել է EurasiaDoc աշխատարանին՝ ձեռք բերելով փորձ ստեղծագործ վավերագրական նախագծերի մշակման մեջ։ Նրա աշխատանքը միավորում է մարքեթինգը, արվեստը և մարդկային պատմությունները՝ նպատակ ունենալով նպաստել մշակութային և տեսողական արվեստների զարգացմանը։
Form_Responses
Stella Hambaryan is a Marketing student at the French University in Armenia, specializing in cultural and artistic communication. Alongside her studies, she is developing her practice in documentary photography, focusing on social themes and authentic visual narratives. She graduated from the Medialab Visual Art School, where she deepened her understanding of visual language and artistic storytelling. Stella participated in the EurasiaDoc workshop, gaining experience in the development of creative documentary projects. Her work reflects an interest in the intersection of marketing, art, and human stories, aiming to contribute to the cultural and visual arts field.
bottom of page