Golden Apricot Yerevan International Film Festival

The Golden Apricot Yerevan International Film Festival is an annual celebration of cinema held every July in Yerevan, Armenia. Founded in 2004, it brings together filmmakers from Armenia and around the world, showcasing new works and promoting creative exchange.

• Held annually in Yerevan since 2004
• Features international and Armenian films
• Awards include the Golden Apricot and Silver Apricot
• Focuses on the crossroads of cultures and civilizations
• Hosts competitions for feature, documentary, and short films

What it is

The Golden Apricot Yerevan International Film Festival (GAIFF) is Armenia’s premier film event, dedicated to presenting new films by Armenian and international directors. Each July, the festival transforms Yerevan into a meeting point for filmmakers, critics, and cinema lovers, offering a platform for creative voices from diverse backgrounds. GAIFF is known for its focus on films that explore the crossroads of cultures and civilizations, reflecting Armenia’s own rich history as a cultural crossroads. The festival aims to foster originality and creativity in cinema and video art, and is a key event for the Armenian film community and diaspora.

Where it comes from

GAIFF was established in 2004 through the collaboration of the Golden Apricot Fund for Cinema Development and the Armenian Association of Film Critics and Cinema Journalists, with support from Armenia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Culture. Since its inception, the festival has highlighted Armenia’s role as a meeting place for different cultures and traditions. In 2005, it launched the Directors Across Borders network to connect regional filmmakers, and has operated under the aegis of the European Cultural Parliament. Over the years, GAIFF has grown in stature, attracting international attention and recognition.

How it is celebrated

During the festival week, Yerevan’s cinemas and cultural venues come alive with screenings of feature films, documentaries, and shorts from Armenia and abroad. The program includes international competitions for feature and documentary films, as well as a special Armenian Panorama section. Prestigious awards such as the Golden Apricot and Silver Apricot are presented, along with the Parajonov's Thaler Award for lifetime achievement. Events often feature Q&A sessions, panel discussions, and opportunities to meet filmmakers. The festival is a gathering place for the Armenian film community, diaspora, and international guests, fostering dialogue and cultural exchange.

Joining in

Visitors to Yerevan during the festival can expect a vibrant atmosphere, with screenings held at venues like the House of Cinema and other city theaters. The city’s central locations make it easy to take part in film showings, discussions, and festival events. While many films are shown in Armenian and English, the festival’s international scope ensures a welcoming environment for guests from around the world. Whether you are a film enthusiast or a curious traveler, GAIFF offers a unique window into Armenian culture and global cinema.

Sources and attribution

This page is Mela's own summary, written in new words. Its facts are drawn from the Wikipedia article Golden Apricot Yerevan International Film Festival, whose text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Each photo is credited to its author beside it. For the full account, read the originals below.

Read more

• Golden Apricot Yerevan International Film Festival on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Official websiteOfficial site
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data

This page was written with AI assistance from the sources listed above, and checked automatically before publishing. Spotted a mistake? Tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-02.