12 June 2023
The 18th edition of the International Oriental Film Festival of Geneva will be held from June 12 to 18 this year. This festival is one of the biggest cultural events in the French-speaking part of Switzerland and showcases the latest and greatest films from dozens of countries, ranging from Morocco to India and Central Asia. Each year in June, the festival offers a week-long platform for filmmakers to present their works.
Armenia will have a special status at this year's festival, thanks to the collaboration of Hayk Hovhannisyan, a member of the festival board and former Trade Representative of Armenia to Switzerland, as well as the Armenian Embassy in Switzerland and the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture, and Sports of the Republic of Armenia. This year marks the 100th anniversary of Armenian cinema, and to celebrate this milestone, a special "Armenian Day" has been designated on June 17.
On this particular day, two acclaimed Armenian films that have participated in various international festivals and received awards will be showcased: "Amerikatsi" and "Gate to Heaven". "Amerikatsi" is a remarkable film by American-Armenian filmmaker Michael Goorjian, which tells the story of Charlie (played by Michael Goorjian himself), who returns from America to Soviet Armenia in the 1940s and faces unjust imprisonment shortly after his arrival. Through unwavering patience, hope, and patriotism, Charlie overcomes his ordeal and finds a unique way to integrate into both his old and new homeland.
"Gate to Heaven" directed by Jivan Avetisyan, who is of Artsakh origine, portrays a romantic adventure between a renowned German photojournalist and an Artsakh opera singer, set against the backdrop of the 2016 four-day war. Through the eyes of a European journalist, the film presents Artsakh as an inseparable part of the greater European cultural family, with its people embodying a life filled with love, tradition, and patriotism.
In honor of "Armenian Day," the Armenian Embassy in Switzerland will organize a reception where the creative teams behind the films will present their work and discuss the current state and future prospects of Armenian cinema. This special day is garnering significant attention from major Swiss media outlets, providing an opportunity to showcase the rich cultural heritage and filmmaking treasures of Armenia to the Swiss audience.
N.B. The organization of participation in the event is carried out by the National Cinema Center of Armenia with the support of the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports of the Republic of Armenia.
