Welcoming address of President Serzh Sargsyan to the Golden Apricot International Film Festival

I send my warm salutations to the organizers, participants and guests of the Golden Apricot International Film Festival. On the occasion of the tenth anniversary of the Festival, I cordially congratulate its initiators and implementers.

We still have much to do to strengthen our position on the world movie map and with this regard the Golden Apricot’s repute as the leading regional film festival is of special importance. In the last ten years, many of the outstanding figures of the cinema world have discovered Armenia anew and have become our country’s dear and dedicated friends. Undoubtedly, such a festival is a great honor for any country and is an excellent opportunity for establishing new cultural ties. It is proved by the extensive geographical representation of the participants of the Festival as well as by the interest of a number of the world’s leading mass media outlets toward the Golden Apricot and our country.

The Festival’s mission of promoting the development of the national cinema and creation of the Golden Apricot international film school is critical. Today, movies created through the assistance of the Festival are representing Armenia on numerous international film festivals. Golden Apricot’s rich ten-year history is a commendable and laudable reality which has been enriching Armenia’s cultural life.

Dear Friends,

I once again welcome the participants and guests of the Tenth Festival. I urge you to remain faithful to its motto - the Crossroad of Civilizations and Cultures – to preserve and deepen momentous achievements of the Festival and its high repute. I wish the organizers diligence and enthusiasm to continue with the same vigor their noble work launched ten years ago.