The EU Delegation toArmeniaand the German Embassy inYerevanwill launch public screenings of the film Parada on 17 and 18 October at Congress Hotel Ballroom starting from 19:30. The film is part of the European Union activities for promoting human rights awareness inArmenia, and relates to non-discrimination of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) persons. The screenings, initially planned for the second week of October, were postponed when the agreed venues were cancelled the events due to public pressure.
Traian Hristea, the Head of the EU Delegation toArmeniaand Reiner Morell, the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany toArmenianoted that Parada is a film about tolerance, which does not offend anyone, nor impose opinions. During a press conference on 9 October, the Ambassadors asserted that those who want to watch the film should have the opportunity to do so, while those who stand against it, have the right to express their opinion.
The film screening is part of the EU activities related to Human Rights Day 2012 on the topic of non-discrimination and tolerance. It draws on art’s important function to open discussions and confront prejudice and pre-conceived opinions.
The film Parada is an internationally acclaimed Serbian drama dealing with the delicate subject of LGBT rights (the rights of the LGBT community to enjoy universal human rights). The film focuses on an attempt to organise theBelgradegay pride parade, after a first attempt in 2001 ended violently. Parada gained international attention after its release in October 2011. It was successfully shown at the 2012 Berlinale film festival where it won the Audience Award for the Best Feature Film.
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