VivaCell-MTS undertakes the general sponsorship of the Golden Apricot 10th Yerevan International Film Festival

The festive opening of Golden Apricot jubilee edition was celebrated by the opening of Charles Aznavour’s Star on the Aznavour Square in Yerevan followed by the official ceremony and the screening of “Shoot the Piano Player”, a film by Francois Truffaut starring Aznavour at the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet in Yerevan. The events were honored by the presence of the legendary chanconier himself who was granted with a “Parajanov Thaler” for the contribution in the world cinema.

In the days to follow “Parajanov Thaler” awards will be granted to Margarette von Trotta, Istvn Szabo, Nerses Hovhannissyan and Jos Stelling at special events of Jubilees and Yerevan Premieres. Ulrich Seidl, a Cannes award winning Austrian director, whose “Paradise” trilogy will be screened in the Festival programme will be granted with “Master” Award. “Yeghici Luys” (Let there be Light) award of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians is designed to be granted to the distinguished Armenian director Artavazd Peleshian at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin this year.

The festival is organized with support of the Ministry of Culture of Armenia. In line with its long-term mission to support the country with achieving quality changes in different sphere of the society, including culture, VivaCell-MTS considers the Festival as an effective means to enhance the country’s positive image internationally, to promote the Nation’s cultural heritage and mission, conveyed through the richness and expressiveness of the cinematographic language, and presented in an prestigious international cinematographic event. 

Internally, the mission of the Golden Apricot is to give a fresh breath to the national cinematography, to help it develop freely and independently, as a unique part of world cinematography. Golden Apricot is a means to establish and sustain dialogue with the world, in line with new trends and developments, reflect and unfold the internal world of modern individual. VivaCell-MTS believes that Armenia needs cinematography for strengthening its footprint on the cultural map of the world, and also, for becoming more immune to global cultural challenges. New and competitive Armenian cinematography is an important medium to enlarge the influence of Armenian cultural identity.

“Each project passes certain steps on its way from an idea to realization. That’s how it is with the “Golden Apricot”. If we try to describe it we can find a parallel between the life of the festival and processes of a film-making. Ten years ago emotionality ruled the “Golden Apricot”. There was a goal to realize the dream.  The second phase was full of challenges. The story developed fast, like an action movie. There was a goal to present in the international arena our country which occupies a small territory on the map but has a glorious history. This is the third phase of the program realized together, which resembles a documentary film. Film lovers built this ten-year-old road. Wish everyone an enjoyable watching”, commented VivaCell-MTS General Manager. Ralph Yirikian was awarded 10th Anniversary Gold Medal of the Golden Apricot Film Festival.