June 18, 2010 - 15:57 AMT
Eric Friedler’s Catastrophe docudrama on Armenian Genocide to be featured at Golden Apricot

German film director Eric Friedler’s Catastrophe film will be featured as part of the documentary program of Golden Apricot international film festival. The film is dedicated to the 95th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. “Document and archive materials are used in the film. Meanwhile, the best German actors both read texts of these documents and play in the feature part of the film,” said Director of Programs of Golden Apricot international film festival Michael Stamboltsyan.

“We wanted to organize a special event to feature the film separately, but the author insisted on the film’s screening as part of the competition program. As the film’s quality complied with our requirements, we have not rejected Friedler’s request, however the film will be screened at Moscow Cinema, in contrast to other films, which will be featured in Small Hall of the State Puppet Theater,” noted Stamboltsyan.

According to Art Director of the Festival Susanna Harutyunyan, recently Catastrophe film was featured by Germany’s public TV, what has caused hysteria among radical Turks of Germany. “After it, the film’s director received thousands of letters containing threats,” said Harutyunyan.

Cosmos film by Turkish film director Rekha Erdem will be featured at Golden Apricot as part of the feature films program. “It is not directly related to the Armenian Genocide, however, after watching it, you will feel this tie,” said Stamboltsyan, adding that the film was basically shot in Kars.