Armenian Film Society London was established in 2024 by US-based AFS, curator Kira Adibekov and filmmaker Tatevik Ayvazyan to address the long-standing absence of a sustained platform for Armenian cinema in the UK through an annual festival and year-round cultural events.

The first two editions of the Armenian Film Festival London, held at the prestigious Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA), have been highly successful. Attendance increased by 50% from 2024 to 2025, reflecting the growing interest in the festival among the audiences. In their review of the festival, The Guardian noted that the four-day event “is fast establishing itself among the UK’s Armenian community.”

The 2026 festival will take place 3-6th December at the ICA.

Rules & Terms

The organisers invite submissions of films in two categories: A Ribbon of Film (Western Armenian Film Programme) and British Armenian Focus.

1. A Ribbon of Film (Western Armenian Film Programme): films of any genre and length completed between 2021 and 2026, that are either in Western Armenian or explore Western Armenian language, culture, history or lived experience.

2. British Armenian Focus: films of any genre and length by British Armenian filmmakers completed after January 2025, continuing the development of a platform for local talent alongside international voices and strengthening the UK's Armenian creative community.

All films should be subtitled in English.

The applicant holds the sole responsibility of copyright clearance of any copyrighted material in the film. Films including unauthorised copyrighted material are ineligible.

Submissions are open until 1 September 2026 via FilmFreeway. The official selection will be announced in mid-September 2026.

The Armenian Film Festival London will take place at the Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA) from 3–6 December 2026.