Category: 2020

Today marks the birthday anniversary of one of renowned directors of film-essays, documentarians of the world cinematography Artavazd Peleshyan. Filmmaker Sergei Parajanov once described Peleshyan as "one of the few authentic geniuses in the world of cinema." Peleshyan is most famous for developing a style of cinematographic perspective known as distance montage, combining perception of depth with oncoming entities, such as running packs of antelope or hordes of humans.

Peleshyan was born on the 22nd of February, 1938 in Leninakan (Gyumri), Armenia. He later studied at the legendary Russian film school VGIK from 1963 to 1968 and now lives in both Armenian capital Yerevan and Russian capital Moscow.

His early films, made when he was still a student at VGIK, were awarded several prizes. To date, 12 films by Peleshyan are known to exist. The Beginning (Skizbe) (1967) is a cinematographical essay about the October Revolution of 1917. One of the unique visual effects used in this film is achieved by holding snippets of film still on a single frame, then advancing only for a second or two before again pausing on another, resulting in a stuttering visual effect. Other important films by him are We (Menq) (1967, a poetically told history of Armenia and its people, and Inhabitant (Obitateli) (1970), a reflection on the relationship between wildlife and humans. Artavazd Peleshyan's most brilliant film is considered, by many critics, to be The Seasons of the Year (1975). Exquisitely shot by cinematographer Mikhail Vartanov, it is an outstanding look at the contradiction and harmony between humans and nature. It was the last collaboration between Peleshyan and Vartanov, Armenia's two most important documentary auteurs; they first worked together on The Autumn Pastoral (1971).

Peleshyan is also the author of a range of theoretical works, such as his 1988 book, Moyo kino (My Cinema). He is now living in Moscow. His most recent film was edited at the ZKM | Karlsruhe Film Institute in 2005-2006 and has not yet been released.

The Armenian Apostolic Church will mark the eve of Great Barekendan with a festive programme, the Ararat Patriarchal Diocese reported in a press statement. On February 23, at 13:30 the festive procession dedicated to Great Barekendan – Armenian religious holiday – will start from St. Sargis church of the Ararat Patriarchal Diocese of AAC. The participants will walk along Mashtots avenue to Freedom square where a festive programme is planned.

The programme features national dances and songs, thematic and theatrical performances, demonstration of games and contests among them.

As the Ararat Patriarchal Diocese reports the Great Barekendan celebration has turned into one of beloved holidays in capital Yerevan that brings together children and adults. The event is organized with the support of Yerevan Municipality.

This year the period of Great Lent starts on February 24. It lasts 48 days beginning from the Eve of Great Lent (Barekendan) to the Eve of the Feast of the Easter. The word Barekendan means “good living” or “good life”, as we are called to live cheerfully, joyfully, and to be happy on these days preceding fasting periods.

President signs decree on awarding Greco-Roman wrestler Armen Nazaryan with medal

 13:19,

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 21, ARMENPRESS. President of Armenia Armen Sarkissian signed a decree on awarding Greco-Roman wrestler, Europe, World and Olympic champion Armen Nazaryan with the 1st Degree Medal for the Services to the Fatherland, the Presidential Office told Armenpress.

The President signed the respective decree based on the Prime Minister’s petition.

Armen Nazaryan is a Greco-Roman wrestler who later represented Bulgaria. Nazaryan is a two-time Olympic Champion, a three-time World Champion, and a six-time European Champion. After Armenia regained independence in 1991, Nazaryan became the first Olympic gold medalist for the country.

Process manufacturing became leader of growth in Armenia, says economy minister

 13:47,

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 21, ARMENPRESS. The 7,6% economic growth indicator meets the government’s expectations, Economy Minister Tigran Khachatryan told ARMENPRESS.

In 2019, Armenia recorded 7,6% growth – the highest growth in Europe and among Eurasian Economic Union countries.

ARMENPRESS: What measures made this indicator possible?

Khachatryan:  A few important notes in this regard. First of all, I am very happy that the manufacturing branch, which was always in the center of our discussions and attentions during the year, greatly contributed to the GDP growth, with 10,2%. More importantly, the process manufacturing grew this year and recorded the highest share in the GDP structure since 2008 – 12,1%. This is a very important achievement: the process manufacturing became the main leader of Armenia’s economic growth. The government’s economic policy priorities include for the process manufacturing to be competitive, in line with the modern world demands and to create quality workplaces. I believe we are heading in the right direction in this context. Another indicator testifying this is the 10,3% growth of goods and services exports, which too became one of the main leaders securing growth.

He said the 7,6% growth meets the expectations that the government had for the year.

Khachatryan also pointed out the hospitality and public food services with the more than 27% growth.

“Another noteworthy chance in relation to the economic growth peculiarities is the indicator of the financial sector and insurance service: the economic brokerage role is increasing, and we believe this is the foundation which must be strengthened and contribute to the sustainability of further growth”, he said.

Khachatryan said they have been clearly instructed by the Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to make all efforts in order for 2020 to be “no less effective than 2019”, with at least 8% growth.

Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan