In the heart of Hollywood, a cherished dream has officially been realized. Actress and director Anna Harutyunyan,known professionally as Anna Maksim, has captured international attention with a major win for her feature film, “The Reverse Side of the Medal” (Մեդալի հակառակ կողմը).
The powerful drama triumphed at the esteemed ARPA International Film Festival in Hollywood, securing the coveted award for “Best Feature Film.”
But the recognition didn’t stop there. Anna Maksim herself was honored with the prestigious “Rising Star” award, cementing her status as a compelling new voice in international cinema.
Reflecting on her double victory, Maksim shared a deeply personal message that resonates with every aspiring artist:
“A girl’s cherished dream came true in the heart of Hollywood, who has wanted the same thing since she was 16: to be a star, to shine in the sky, to tell stories through the language of cinema, to move people’s hearts and make the world a better place.”
“The Reverse Side of the Medal” tells the inspiring story of World and European champion Nazik Avdalyan, focusing on the emotional and physical battles that often remain unseen behind the spotlight of success. By bringing such a compelling and personal narrative to the screen, Maksim has managed to move audiences and critics alike.
Thanking the festival for its recognition, Anna Maksim made a firm commitment to her future in filmmaking, promising that “the light of that star will never fade, moreover, it will continue to shine even when darkness is inevitable.”
With two major accolades from one of Hollywood’s most respected international festivals, Anna Maksim is clearly on a path to becoming a guiding light in the global film landscape. Keep an eye out for this rising star—her story is just beginning.
