The Armenian Genocide is the main topic of the films presented at the 12^th Golden Apricot International Film Festival, writes Artsakhpress.

Several programs and events devoted to the Armenian Genocide have been held and continue to be held within the framework of the festival.

The festival’s organizers inform that today, at 18:00, the guests and partners of the festival will pay a visit to the Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute where the Aurora Mardiganian Commemorative Medals will be granted to Russian film critic and culturologist Kiril Razlogov, film director Rob Nielson, Director-General of VivaCell-MTS Ralph Yirikian, Ambassador for Special Assignments Levon Sargsyan, France-based Armenian benefactor Raymond Yezegulian, as well as benefactors Pavel Margaryan and Khachik Manukyan from Armenia.

There were a total of 24 applications submitted for the 14^th Armenia-Turkey Cinema Platform workshop, out of which only 10 were selected (five from Turkey and five from Armenia).

1. “Khatun”, directed by Belgin Cengiz, produced by Serkhan Achar, Turkey-documentary

2. “Murat”, directed by Sona Kocharyan, Marine Kocharyan, Armenia-documentary

3. “I Am From Nizib”, directed by Raffi Niziblian, Armenia-documentary

4. “HOMFUL”, directed by Gagik Ghazaryan, produced by Elizabeth Handle, director of photography Mahir Yildiz, Turkey/Armenia/Austria/USA-documentary

5. “Un-Territories”, directed by Chantal Partamian, Armenia/Lebanon-documentary

6. “Silence”, directed and produced by Diana Mkrtchyan, Armenia/France-documentary

7. “There Was!”, directed by Senem Gokce, Turkey-short film

8. “Accidentally”, directed by Aviva Barkuhdarian, produced by Narek Keshishian, Armenia/Germany-short film

9. “A Drop of Water”, directed by Sabri Umu Boziyl, Turkey-short film

10. “Estrangement”, directed and produced by Haji Orman, Turkey-short film

Most of the applications were joint productions.

Let us remind that the Armenia-Turkey Cinema Platform was launched in 2008 by the joint initiative of the Golden Apricot International Film Festival (Armenia) and Anadolu Kultur Organization (Turkey). It helps filmmakers of both countries establish contacts, as well as supports and encourages joint film production. The cinema platform has already helped provide funding for 17 films directed and produced in Turkey and Armenia.

By the decision of the jury, one of the ten previously selected films will be granted an award for assistance in production in the amount of $10,000 dollars, which will be shared by the creators of the documentaries “There Was” by Turkish director Senem Giokce and “Murat” by Marine and Sona Kocharyan. Member of the jury and news program director for Yerkir TV Gegham Manukyan has announced that the screenings of the award-winning films will be free-of-charge.