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Two LGBT-Themed Films at the Center of Controversy at Yerevan’s Golden Apricot Festival

YEREVAN (Asbarez)—Opening ceremonies for the 14th annual Golden Apricot International Film Festival were held July 9, kicking off this year’s festival amid controversy stemming from the organizers’ decision to cancel an off-competition screening of 40 films showcasing work of filmmakers from around the world, with some accusing organizers of censorship.

A documentary, Listen to Me: Untold Stories Beyond Hatred, and Apricot Groves, a fiction film featuring LGBT characters, were originally included in the ‘Armenians: Internal And External Views’ lineup.

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4 Comments

  1. Protecting free speech builds a stronger and more stable society. If people do not like the message of the films then don’t watch the film

  2. The verbal and physical threats against LGBT in Armenia isn’t good and should stop, but gay rights is not a priority in Armenia, nor should it be until more important challenges are solved. Nobody in their right mind can say gay rights/acceptance is more important than securing borders, preventing war, economic development, fixing emigration, demographic problems, genocide recognition, environmental issues, national debt, and domestic violence.

    Both young and old will never accept something like this in their culture/country. Pressure from young people signing petitions via social media is what stopped those films.

    “So disappointing” and “Oh, how civilized. Shameful !” are exactly what Armenians are saying in response to these liberal values being pushed on them by Europe and the diaspora.

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