Within the framework of the 22nd Golden Apricot Yerevan International Film Festival, the festival’s honorary guests, participants, and organizers were hosted at Aratashen Winery in Armenia’s Armavir region. The day was especially marked by the presentation of the Master Award — honoring a significant contribution to cinema — to Adilkhan Yerzhanov, one of the most prominent contemporary filmmakers from Central Asia, known for his genre experimentation and masterful dark irony. The award ceremony took place right at Aratashen Winery.
In his speech, Karen Avetisyan, Director and Artistic Director of the Golden Apricot Film Festival, emphasized that visiting Aratashen Winery has become one of the festival’s cherished traditions — as has presenting the award in this venue.
"Every year, within the framework of Golden Apricot, we present this award as a token of respect to the masters who are here with us. This year, we are awarding a filmmaker who has amazed us, and we hope this award will serve as a pledge for our future collaboration," said Karen Avetisyan.
The award was presented to Adilkhan Yerzhanov by Vahe Torosyan, Deputy Director of the Matenadaran (the Mesrop Mashtots Institute of Ancient Manuscripts).
"It has become a unique tradition for a representative of the Matenadaran to present this award each year. The Matenadaran is a scientific research institute of ancient manuscripts, and at first glance, its connection with cinema may not seem obvious. But both cinema and the Matenadaran share a national and universal significance. Taking this opportunity, I want to assure you that our manuscripts contain many beautiful storylines worthy of cinema. And who knows — perhaps in the coming years, we’ll have the chance to enjoy films inspired by these manuscripts," said Vahe Torosyan.
The evening featured performances by Hayk Petrosyan and the Lilla Chamber Ensemble with their interpretations of Komitas, and concluded with the Karin Traditional Song and Dance Ensemble, who invited the guests to join in the traditional Kochari round dance, turning it into a celebratory tradition of its own.
In his speech, Karen Avetisyan, Director and Artistic Director of the Golden Apricot Film Festival, emphasized that visiting Aratashen Winery has become one of the festival’s cherished traditions — as has presenting the award in this venue.
"Every year, within the framework of Golden Apricot, we present this award as a token of respect to the masters who are here with us. This year, we are awarding a filmmaker who has amazed us, and we hope this award will serve as a pledge for our future collaboration," said Karen Avetisyan.
The award was presented to Adilkhan Yerzhanov by Vahe Torosyan, Deputy Director of the Matenadaran (the Mesrop Mashtots Institute of Ancient Manuscripts).
"It has become a unique tradition for a representative of the Matenadaran to present this award each year. The Matenadaran is a scientific research institute of ancient manuscripts, and at first glance, its connection with cinema may not seem obvious. But both cinema and the Matenadaran share a national and universal significance. Taking this opportunity, I want to assure you that our manuscripts contain many beautiful storylines worthy of cinema. And who knows — perhaps in the coming years, we’ll have the chance to enjoy films inspired by these manuscripts," said Vahe Torosyan.
The evening featured performances by Hayk Petrosyan and the Lilla Chamber Ensemble with their interpretations of Komitas, and concluded with the Karin Traditional Song and Dance Ensemble, who invited the guests to join in the traditional Kochari round dance, turning it into a celebratory tradition of its own.
