We were honored to present the IDF Award on June 25 at Sunny Side of the Doc to the powerful documentary project In Front of Us, directed by Inna Sahakyan (Armenia). As part of the award, the project is invited to participate in the East Doc Platform 2026 in Prague, where the team will have the opportunity to take part in individual meetings within the East Doc Market.
In Front of Us (dir. Inna Sahakyan; prod. Vardan Hovhannisyan and Mariam Davtyan; Armenia)
When Lala’s sister is murdered by a genocidal regime, an experienced international judge asks her to become the key witness in a grueling criminal case. Two women from different worlds unite to bring the perpetrators before the International Criminal Court.
Jury statement: „This powerful and urgent project stands out for its courageous storytelling and its profound relevance to the global human rights discourse. At a time when war crimes and atrocities are increasingly documented yet too often ignored, In Front of Us offers an unflinching and emotionally resonant examination of impunity, justice, and resilience.
Through the compelling parallel journeys of an American judge and an Armenian survivor-turned-advocate, the film transcends national boundaries and draws potent connections between seemingly distant conflicts. Its layered narrative not only amplifies silenced voices but also interrogates the very systems meant to protect them. With sensitivity and determination, the filmmakers confront the international community’s failure to act, making this a deeply necessary contribution to the global documentary landscape.
We believe the Institute of Documentary Film can play a vital role in supporting In Front of Us by connecting the team with new partners at the East Doc Platform who can help elevate its reach. The project’s clarity of vision, strong cinematic approach, and bold moral purpose make it an essential story for today’s audiences—and a project that aligns powerfully with the values and mission of this forum.“
The East Doc Platform takes place March 19-25, 2026 in Prague, Czech Republic.