UNSW ADA x Persian Film Festival Australia
The 12th Persian Film Festival is on from 16 to 19 April 2026
Published on the 14 April 2026
Courtesy Persian Film Festival Australia.
UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture has announced a new three-year partnership with the Persian Film Festival Australia, strengthening its commitment to global storytelling, creative expression and cultural exchange.
The partnership will see ADA support one of Australia’s leading platforms for Iranian and Persian-language cinema, bringing powerful, independent voices to local audiences while deepening engagement between the university and the arts sector.
Now in its 12th year, the Persian Film Festival Australia presents a curated program of films celebrating Iranian and Persian-speaking storytelling, culture and creativity.
Through this collaboration, ADA will support these stories while creating opportunities for students, researchers, and the broader community to engage and connect.
Dean of UNSW ADA, Professor Claire Annesley, said the partnership reflects the faculty’s belief in the role of creativity and collaboration to foster diversity and inclusion.
At ADA, we see storytelling as a powerful force for connection and change. Partnering with the Persian Film Festival allows us to create space for dialogue, reflection and shared understanding across cultures
Founded in 2011 by Dr Amin Palangi, the Persian Film Festival Australia began as an independent program to celebrate Iranian and Persian-speaking cinema and bring audiovisual storytelling to Australian audiences.
Dr Amin Palangi, Filmmaker and ADA Film Studies Lecturer, said the collaboration marks an important step in expanding the festival’s reach and impact.
"Australians know the power of a fair go, and what it costs when that is taken away. The festival’s partnership with UNSW will amplify the voices of Iranians and bear witness to stories of courage, resilience and hope, told at a time when the world can least afford to look away,” said Dr Palangi.