Armenian pavilion launched at 70th Cannes Film Market

This year, in the period of 70^th Festival de Cannes—May 18-26, for the first time Armenia will be represented in the Film Market in the sector Village International/Pantiero under the number 226 through the pavilion of the Republic of Armenia, where these days “Aurora’s sunrise” of Bars Media, Sergo Ustyan’s “Exchange” and Artur Sukiasyan’s “The Wounded City” are trying their chances to succeed. However, Armenia has brought to Cannes Film Market not only the winning three projects: film projects beyond competition appeared in the pavilion as well, which making use of the opportunities of the Armenian pavilion, will be introduced here.

Official launching of the Armenian pavilion with the participation of Armenian delegation has already taken place, during which guests met participants of the Festival and other members of the Armenian delegation. Arsen Baghdasaryan, head of the Armenian delegation, told 168.am,

“Today is the day of Armenian pavilion, where we introduce our film projects to guests visiting our pavilion from the USA, Europe and other countries. Changes of Armenian market were positively welcomed by our guests and we hope today’s meetings will be very productive. We attempt to create opportunities for our participants for joint film production. For the time being everything is developing as planned. All leave our pavilion rather excited. I have big hopes that Armenia should become a new Hollywood and we do our best to reach it.”

Hovhannes Galstyan, filmmaker, founder of “Cinema” center, told 168.am he managed to have several meetings, which upon initial anticipations promise positive exits from the perspective of co-production,

“Cannes always gives more, than you plan. It’s very easy to find a common language if there are preliminary agreements. From quick agreements we have proposal of A class film festival under the package of young filmmakers of Cinema center, which appears under new Armenian film, distributors are very interested in the way of thinking of new generation.

Reflecting to the Armenian pavilion, I should state that his is my pride this year, as I have always dreamt to have the flag and pavilion of the Republic of Armenia at Cannes. It seemed very distant future, but this year, due to new changes undertaken by Ministry of Culture of Armenia, this is already a reality. Projects, which have perspectives, have been introduced this year at the Armenian pavilion, introduced by young filmmakers. Stressed attention toward them shows that we have big desire to bring new-generation film to Cannes. Our pavilion is fresh, film projects are new and time is necessary to perceive the new.”

“Aurora’s sunrise” animated film project is in Cannes Film Market these days as well. Producer/director Inna Sahakyan from Bars Media attempts to make the days spent at Cannes productive for the project. The main tool of the film will be animation, and the story is documentary,

“The market is meant for making first steps. In the period of a few days I spent here I managed to have many meetings. Many were interested in the projects I brought here, but it’s early speaking about the results. All the three participants involved in the Armenian delegation, here in the Armenian pavilion, will introduce their projects, and we hope they’ll cause interest,” Inna Sahakyan told 168.am.

Sergo Ustyan’s “Exchange” is among the participants as well. The filmmaker managed to meet one of Russian filmmakers. He is also going to meet Austrian, Belgian, French and German film companies, “The future film is based on real cases, actions take place in early 90s in Armenia and Azerbaijan. The film will be shot in Armenia with the participation of Turkish actors. The film is planned to produce in Armenian, Russian and Azerbaijani. There is reflection to Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict. The film will be screened in late 2018. Everything depends on cooperation results reached here, in Cannes.”