Armin T. Wegner Humanitarian Award 2023

Filmmaker Inna Sahakyan was honored with the Armin T. Wegner Humanitarian Award at the 26th Arpa International Film Festival for her hybrid feature-animation-documentary film, Aurora’s Sunrise. The event took place at Hollywood’s historic Montalban Theatre on November 19, 2023, recognizing Sahakyan’s significant contribution to cinema.

Aurora’s Sunrise, a co-production involving Armenia, Germany, and Lithuania, presents a contemporary interpretation of the once-thought-lost 1919 silent film Ravished Armenia. The film chronicles the survival story of Aurora Mardiganian during the Armenian Genocide, drawing inspiration from her autobiographical book, Auction of Souls.

Sahakyan’s directorial finesse is evident as she skillfully integrates animation, interview footage, and segments from the 1919 silent film, crafting a captivating narrative in Aurora’s Sunrise.

The film’s outstanding reception is reflected in its collection of 16 awards and 5 nominations from 70 film festivals and organizations, highlighting Sahakyan’s talent and the profound impact of the film.

In 2023, Aurora’s Sunrise was selected as Armenia’s submission for the Academy Awards for International Feature Film.

Produced by Armenia, Germany, and Lithuania

Aurora’s Sunrise was created through a collaboration between Bars Media Studio, a documentary production company in Armenia; Gebrueder Beetz Film Production in Germany; and Broom Films, an animation film production company in Lithuania.