Golden Apricot International Film Festival kicks off in Yerevan

The ninth Golden Apricot International Film Festival opened at the Moscow cinema’s blue hall on Sunday evening.

Spanish film director Victor Erice, who is the president of this year’s Yerevan film event, was honored with the Parajanov’s Taller prize.

The award was also bestowed upon Eldar Shengelaya, a master of the Georgian cinema art. Speaking at the ceremony, the friend of the festival, director Roman Balayan praised Shengelaya’s efforts in paving the renowned 20-century Armenian film director, Sergey Parajanov’s way to the Georgian cinematography.

Parajanov’s Taller is modeled after a metallic bottle plug, on which Parajanov left an engraving while being in prison. The award is aimed at praising the recipient's contribution to the development of cinematography.

Czhech film director Agnieszka Holland (best known to the Armenian spectator for her scandalous film Full Eclipse) will also be honored with the award. The festival will also be attended by such prominent figures of the world cinema art as Vadim Abdrashitov, Alexander Sukurov etc.

In his speech, the founder and the president of the festival, Harutyun Khachatryan said that Armenian capital is worth of hosting big festivals as this and see the presence of world-renowned masters of cinematography in its streets in the coming days. He then discussed plans of the 10th and 30th jubilee festivals with the general sponsor of the event, CEO of Armenia’s largest mobile operator, VivaCell MTS, Ralph Yirikyan.

The ceremony was anchored by the French-Armenian actor and director, Zhirayr Papazyan.

Shor and Shorshor, a movie by the Soviet Armenian director and scriptwriter, Hamo Beknazaryan, was screened as an opening film.

The event was attended by Yerevan Mayor Taron Margaryan, Minister of Culture Hasmik Poghosyan, and other officials.