The worldwide recognition of Golden Apricot international film festival has proved the necessity to establish a festival center in Yerevan, said Harutyun Khachatryan, director of the festival.  

"We are hopeful that it will be possible with the help of sponsors and government assistance," he told a news conference today.

He informed that sponsors of cultural events will be awarded with "Mantashyan Knights" golden and silver medals.  A statuette of prominent Armenian benefactor Alexander Mantashyan will also be founded.

"We hope that this will help attract financing of major projects," Khachatryan said.