European film festival opens in Yerevan

PanARMENIAN.Net - The European Film Festival kicked off on May 24 at the Cinema House in Yerevan and will continue through May 30, presenting renowned films from across Europe. The event has become a key platform for experiencing European culture, watching distinguished works of cinema, and appreciating the region’s creative vision.

The opening ceremony was attended by Armenia’s Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport Zhanna Andreasyan, Deputy Minister Artur Martirosyan, and Head of the EU Delegation to Armenia Vassilis Maragos.

Zhanna Andreasyan emphasized the government’s active work on legislative reforms in the film sector and praised collaborative efforts with the EU, particularly within the Creative Europe program.

She reaffirmed the state’s commitment to supporting initiatives like this festival and expressed hope that the inclusion of the program’s media component would boost Armenian artists’ connections with their European counterparts. The minister also thanked the EU Delegation for its continued and effective support in the cultural field.

Ambassador Vassilis Maragos highlighted the festival’s role as a cultural diplomacy platform that strengthens ties between Armenia and the European Union.

“Cinema is a universal language that transcends borders, bridging nations, cultures, and generations. European cinema reflects the complexity and beauty of human life. Armenian filmmaking plays a significant role in Europe’s diverse cultural heritage,” the ambassador noted.

From May 24–30, the festival features films including “Emilia Pérez,” “Smyrna,” “The End,” “Rita,” “The Great Journey,” “Continental 25,” and “Maria,” shown in their original languages with Armenian and English subtitles. Entry is free. The festival blends history, contemporary themes, and art through the language of cinema, inviting audiences to engage with European values and cultural diversity.