In 2010 from November 26 to December 2 the “Crystal Apricot,” international film festival was held in the state of Malatya. It was being held for the first time. The festival was sponsored by the governor of Malatya Ulvy Saran, by the ministry of culture and tourism and by a number of Turkish local and international organizations. During the festival there was a discussed on the issues of co-operation in 2011 with Armenian foundation “Golden Apricot”. Participants discussed the issue of joint film production or mutual film demonstration as a good way of co-operation.
As regards the film festival it should be noted that more than 100 films were demonstrated during the festival. Around 300 guests were invited from different countries like from Japan, Germany, Switzerland, France, Poland, Russian Federation, Armenia, Georgia and from a number Asien countries.. The screening of the films belonged to varios genres; e.g. comedies, partly documentary, feature as well as short and art acting films. The presented films were demonstrated in English and Turkish languege. Both short and feature films screened by Turkish film-makers were presented to the judgement of international jury. During the festival the film-lovers had the chance to watch the latest films directed by Woody Alen, Sofia Koppola, Ken Louch, Abbas Kiarostam, Verner Hercog and e.t..Within the frameworks of the festival special seminars and workshops were held for photographes and press photographes .
Among the best films presented to the “Crystal Apricot” festival only 12 were awarded prizes.
At the closing ceremony of the festival the Turkish side made an official statement suggestion (it was done by Husein Karabei a member of the international jury on feuture films). He official declared that during next 2011 “Crystal Apricot” film festival the organizers intend to set a new “Hrant Dink” prize.
Within the Armenian-Turkish platform of cinematography initiated by the organizers of Armenian “Golden Apricot” film festival and Turkish cinematography “Anadolu Cultur” in 2007, since then the project “Film directors across borders” has been launched. Its been already four years that its carried out in Armenia during the filmfest “Golden Apricot”. More then 10 films have been demonstrated within this “Armenian-Turkish films platform” and a number of prizes have been awarded to both Armenian and Turkish film directors for their best works.
