October 13-17 are marked as Japanese cinema fireworks in Armenia. This is the 11th Japanese Film Festival in Armenia. “Aravot” asked the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Armenia, H.E. Mr. Eiji Taguchi (in the photo), what movies he would like to be screened in his homeland. The ambassador said that he is not well aware of the modern Armenian movies but knows the classics very well, for example, he is fascinated by the art of Parajanov. “Parajanov is a wonderful filmmaker. Sometimes, festivals are organized in Japan, which housed Parajanov’s films too. He is a powerful film director, and his films always leave a strong impression on me,” – said the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan.
We were interested to know whether there is a cooperation with “Golden Apricot” International Film Festival, in the framework of which, the best films from different countries “come” to Armenia, and the embassies of many countries cooperate with this business card film festival. Eiji Taguchi said that in 2016, “Golden Apricot” had applied to them invite the Japanese director and screenwriter Naomi Kawase to Armenia, and the embassy was ready to finance her visit. The Ambassador said that this time, perhaps due to technical reasons, the negotiations did not produce results, but they are always ready to support the “Golden Apricot”.
He added that in 2015, the Japanese Embassy to Armenia has invited two Japanese film directors to attend another festival. Caption: Naomi Kawase. Mr. Taguchi added that in the framework of “Golden Apricot” festival, he had watched a film about the difficult years of 90’s in Armenia and was very excited. He mentioned that he would like for the Japanese audience to see this film. As for Naomi Kawase, her “An” film launched the “Un Certain Regard” program at the Cannes Film Festival in 2015. At the age of 27, this film director was the youngest winner in the nomination of “Golden Camera” with her “Suzaku” film. Kawase’s films were screened at the Cannes festival in different years, including in 2003, in 2007 and 2011. In addition to the main prize at the Cannes Film Festival, she has other prestigious awards from Locarno and Rotterdam film festivals.
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Gohar HAKOBYAN
“Aravot”
