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Golden Apricot Yerevan International Film Festival - one of the most remarkable cultural events of our country, commenced on July 10. The festival will continue till July 17, providing Armenian film-lovers and film-makers with unique opportunity to enjoy masterpieces of international cinematographic art, Vivacell-MTS reports in a released statement.

The festival has started with press conferences: Armenian Panorama participants Garegin Papoyan (Skhtorashen), Lusine Papoyan (Radioreciever) and Evelina Barsegian (Bravoman) presented details on their films. The press conference was followed by a wonderful event known to be as the non-official start of the festival - Apricot Blessing ceremony – which took place at St. Zoravar church.

The honorary stars of cinematographer Albert Yavuryan, directors Edmond Keosayan and Dmitry Kesayants were placed at Charles Aznavour square among other prolific masters of the Armenian Cinema. The ceremony was accompanied by Police Brass Band of RA.

The festival was officially launched in the evening at Moscow Cinema, followed by the Red Carpet Ceremony.

Welcoming speeches were made by the General Director of Golden Apricot Yerevan International Film Festival Harutyun Khachatryan and the General Manager of VivaCell-MTS Ralph Yirikian. VivaCell-MTS has been the General Sponsor of the Film Festival for ten years.

Afterwards the spectators were exposed to the presentation short videos of competition films and jury boards.

During the opening ceremony it was announced that the European Film Academy is honoring Yerevan's Parajanov Museum by awarding it "Treasure of European Film Culture". Earlier the Academy had decided to establish a list of Treasures of European Film Culture, much like the UNESCO World Heritage list, summing up places of historical cinematic value that need to be maintained and preserved not just for now but for generations to come.

At the end of the ceremony the opening film by celebrated Armenian filmmaker Hamo Beknazaryan “Zare” was screened with Vahagn Hayrapetyan’s and his jazz band’s live accompaniment specially composed for the film.

In his interview to the media, VivaCell-MTS General Manager Ralph Yirikian told: ““Golden Apricot” is a strong incentive to the development of Armenian cinematography, a part of global cinematography, a school with its national specifics and traditions. A unique event in the cultural life of Armenia, the Festival has the function of a civilizational crossroad, where Armenian film-makers, students and film-lovers meet outstanding and internationally acclaimed film-makers and critics from around the world who visit our country to present their art thus helping Armenian cinematography to become much richer and diverse.”