YEREVAN. - Golden Apricot 12th Yerevan International Film Festival (GAIFF) has launched with a press conference held jointly with Armenia’s Culture Ministry, its chief partner VivaCell-MTS and Municipality of capital Yerevan.
The speakers of the press conference were Deputy Minister of Culture Artur Poghosyan, VivaCell-MTS General Manager Ralph Yirikian, Deputy Mayor of Yerevan Aram Sukiasyan, GAIFF Founder-Director Harutyun Khachatryan, Programme Director Michael Stamboltsyan and Art Director Susanna Haruyunyan.
“Art is perhaps the most beautiful means of knowing, understanding and respecting each other, and hence ensuring peaceful co-existence. It’s already 12 years the Armenian film fans have been enjoying the chance of seeing the tendencies and development courses of world art, becoming familiar with the culture of other countries. VivaCell-MTS is proud of its continuous contribution to the creation and development of this high-profile event,” VivaCell-MTS General Manager Ralph Yirikian said.
“The 12th festival will be interesting; rich programmes, world-famous guests, award-winning film premieres in Yerevan, etc.” GAIFF Founder-Director Harutyun Khachatryan, said.
“Festival is an event which is awaited with love by both Armenian and international film buffs. It is the best example of interrelations between the state and private sector, as well as their joint work,” Deputy Minister of Culture Artur Poghosyan said.
The festival will be held from July 12 to 19.
The Golden Apricot Film Festival has retained its main contest awards.
This year the jury will be chaired by:
· International Feature Competition - Robert Guédiguian (France)
· International Documentary Competition –Marek Hovorka (Czech Republic)
· Apricot Stone International Short Film Competition – Hovik Habechyan (Lebanon)
· Armenian Panorama National Competition – Aleksander Grozev (Bulgaria)
The festival has received nearly 1600 film submissions from 105 countries this year, which is indicative of the growing interest to the festival and the geographical expansion of the presented films.
The 12th GAIFF will be focused on the films about Armenian Genocide. Two big programs dedicated to Genocide - WE EXIST and NEVER AGAIN - will be implemented in the framework of the festival.
The festival’s traditional programs Yerevan Premieres, Retrospectives and Tributes will present the masterpieces of world cinema to the spectators.
The program DIRECTORS ACROSS BORDERS this year will be implemented in collaboration with Armenia’s Ministry of Culture, hosting culture ministers from different countries. The best films shot during the last two years in the participating countries will be screened as part of the program.
