Golden Apricot International Film Festival opens in Yerevan

With the traditional ceremony of blessing the apricot and unveiling new stars eternalizing merited cinematographers, the 14th Golden Apricot International Film Festival opened in Armenia’s capital on Monday.

A long-awaited cultural event for the Armenians in Armenia and the Diaspora, this year’s festival will run from 9 through 16 July.   

Ralf Yirikyan, General Director of VivaCell MTS (leading Armenian mobile operator which is the general sponsor of the event), greeted the participants in an opening speech, wishing them a successful start. The organizers then announced the festival program, introducing the jury. After the solemn speeches and greetings, the opening movie, Khaspush (Hamo Beknazaryan) was screened for the attendees.

“We have passed a long way with the Golden Apricot, and I can say today that apart from being a festive cinema event, this festival has committed itself to a very serious mission. For fourteen years now, it has been investing the mightiest power of art in keeping awake the human mind, and the ability to think soberly, making the humankind an adherent of the civilized set of values. Cinema is an influential means of recognition, understanding and respect. I welcome the participants of the festival, the guests and the cinema fans, wishing them a pleasant watching, and success,” Yirikiyan said.

An apricot-shaped figure stands as the symbol of the 2017 festibal.  

The 14th annual event, which attracted 1,100 bids from 96 countries, promises to become a real festivity thanks to the multi-genre unique films included in the program. For the Armenian cinema fans, it is an exceptional opportunity to get familiarized with masterpieces of Armenian and international cinema art.