The screenings of the film Parada scheduled for 17 and 18 October have been cancelled. The EU Delegation toArmeniaand the Embassy of Germany toYerevanapologise to the interested public for the last-moment notice, caused by the sudden withdrawal of Congress Hotel from the initiative, due to unidentified pressure.
The EU Delegation and the German Embassy are concerned by the abrupt refusal of several venues to show the film, given that they initially agreed to host the screenings. This highlights the need for further awareness on tolerance inArmenia. The organisers affirm that the film viewing, which is part of the EU human rights activities, will be rescheduled so that those interested in seeing the film can do so.
Background:
During a press conference on 9 October, 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. 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.