The 23rd Golden Apricot Yerevan International Film Festival has announced the full lineup of the International Competition Jury, bringing together distinguished figures from the global film and performing arts communities.
The jury will be chaired by Austrian filmmaker Jessica Hausner, one of the leading voices of contemporary Austrian cinema. Her films have premiered at the Cannes and Venice film festivals and have earned international acclaim for their innovative approach to genre filmmaking.
Joining her is Mark Cousins, the Irish-Scottish film historian and director whose acclaimed documentary series The Story of Film: An Odyssey has become a landmark work in contemporary film criticism. Cousins is also the author of numerous books and documentary films dedicated to cinema.
Argentine actor Nahuel Pérez Biscayart, widely known for his leading role in Robin Campillo’s 2017 film BPM (Beats Per Minute), will also serve on the jury. His performance in the film earned him both César and Lumière awards.
The panel further includes Mark Peranson, a Canadian writer, producer, and veteran film curator. Peranson has served as programming director for the Berlin International Film Festival and the Locarno Film Festival, while his writings on cinema have appeared in leading publications such as Sight and Sound, Film Comment, and Cahiers du Cinéma.
Completing the jury is Shermin Langhoff, a German-Turkish theatre producer and artistic director of Berlin’s Maxim Gorki Theater since 2013. Under her leadership, the theatre has twice been named “Theatre of the Year” in Germany and has received numerous prestigious awards.
The 23rd Golden Apricot Yerevan International Film Festival will take place from July 12 to 19, 2026. This year’s edition will once again feature a diverse selection of competition and non-competition programs showcasing films from around the world, including works that have premiered at major international festivals such as Cannes, Berlin, and other leading cinematic platforms.
The festival is expected to welcome internationally renowned filmmakers, directors, actors, and industry professionals to Armenia, providing a unique platform for cultural exchange, dialogue, and the sharing of creative ideas with local audiences.
