The European Film Festival Will Give the Armenian Audience a Chance to Watch Latest European Film Productions
The European Year of Cultural Heritage in Armenia will be marked by another major event – the European Film Festival which will enable the Armenian audience to watch films produced in 11 countries in the past 2 years.
During a press conference to launch the opening of the festival H.E. Piotr Antoni Świtalski, EU Ambassador to Armenia, emphasized the aim of the European Year of Cultural Heritage to encouraging a better recognition of the European cultural heritage and strengthening the feeling of belonging to the common European space.
“Cultural heritage is a living testimony. It is the expression of our roots. The more we are aware of our roots and we preserve them, the more we are able to face diversity and change. When we are solid in our identity, we are not scared by difference but we find enrichment in it. The European Union is an example of how diversity can lead to solidarity, cohesion, and unity,” EU Ambassador noted.
The official opening of the festival will be held at Moscow Cinema at 16:30 on 17 November with the screening of British “Colette”. In Yerevan daily screenings of the original films will be held with English subtitles at 17.00 and Armenian subtitles at 19.00.
Ms Arevik Saribekyan, President of the European Union National Institutes for Culture (EUNIC) Armenia Cluster mentioned at the press conference: “The European Union National Institutes for Culture (EUNIC) Armenia Cluster was established last month the main mission of which is to combine the efforts of international cultural organizations and embassies operating in Armenia to enhance cultural relations and cooperation among EU member-states and Armenia. The European Film Festival is an excellent example of intercultural dialogue which gives the Armenian audience a chance to communicate with the diverse cultures of European countries. Young Armenian specialists will be enabled to work with leading European professionals and acquaint themselves with the developments in European film-making.”
The main Festival Programme will be accompanied by competitions and cultural side events, such as film screenings, round table discussions, and master classes.
Varduhi Sargsyan, Focal point on Culture of the Delegation of the European Union to Armenia noted: "We bring up the best of European cinema culture right now. Yet, our EU Film Festival goes beyond pure culture of showcasing and screenings. The main programme is ornamented with side events such as competitions, workshops and roundtable discussions for all interested in scriptwriting, documentary storytelling and the role of women in modern film industry”.
The European Film Festival 2018 is organised by the EU Delegation in Armenia, EUNIC Armenia Cluster within the framework of the European Year of Cultural Heritage. British Council Armenia acts as implementing partner.
Attached please find the main programme of the European Film Festival and the schedule of parallel events.
Should you have questions regarding the coverage of events within the Festival, please contact Artyom Mkrtchyan, Communication Coordinator at British Council Armenia (mobile 044 291131, landline 010 55 29 45).