The distinguished guests of the Golden Apricot International Film Festival, renowned French-Armenian actor, playwright, and director Simon Abkarian, as well as acclaimed film director and screenwriter Roman Balayan, visited ARARAT Museum.

Accompanied by Serge Khachatryan, Chief Operating Officer of the Yerevan Brandy Company, the guests toured the museum, discovering how deeply Armenian ARARAT brandy is intertwined with Armenian culture and how it embodies the traditions of craftsmanship since 1887. Roman Balayan, who has visited the ARARAT Museum many times, fondly recalled his previous visits, emphasizing that every visit here offers an opportunity for new discoveries. Meanwhile, for Simon Abkarian, this was his first visit to the factory, during which he showed great interest in learning about the history of Armenian brandy-making and the art of creating brandy.

In the treasury hall of the ARARAT Museum, Serge Khachatryan presented Simon Abkarian with the special ARARAT Charles Aznavour Signature Blend brandy.

“Charles Aznavour taught the world that true greatness is measured not only by talent but also by generosity. Through his music, his voice, and his humanitarian work, he carried Armenia in his heart. In many ways, your own journey also echoes that legacy. Through your roles, your literary work, your commitment to preserving memory, and your dedication to giving a voice to those whose stories must never be forgotten, you have become one of the most influential ambassadors of Armenian culture,” emphasized Serge Khachatryan.

During the visit, Golden Apricot Film Festival co-founder Harutyun Khachatryan presented Roman Balayan with the “Parajanov Thaler” award in front of the barrel commemorating the long-standing collaboration between the festival and ARARAT. He added that presenting the award in this symbolic location was not accidental, as it once again highlights a lasting commitment to shared values.

In turn, the COO of the Yerevan Brandy Company, presenting Roman Balayan with the symbolic ARARAT Charles Aznavour Signature Blend brandy, noted that it is a great honor for the Yerevan Brandy Company to welcome such a distinguished director to the ARARAT Museum, and that every such encounter holds a special significance.