British Embassy Disappointed that Azerbaijani Film Festival was Cancelled Again

“We are disappointed by the fact that the Azerbaijani film festival in Yerevan was canceled again, apparently because the organisers couldn’t find a venue willing to host it. We were not directly involved in organisation of the festival but we have long supported projects that help to challenge the stereotypes and break down the closed borders in the region,” reads today’s Facebook status update by the British Embassy in Yerevan.

Recall that the screening of Azerbaijani films that was to take place yesterday was yet again postponed due to venue proprietors being put under pressure. This news was told to Epress.am by festival organizer, president of the Caucasus Center of Peace-Making Initiatives Georgy Vanyan. 

Speaking to Epress.am, Vanyan said he would like to apologize to all those who were planning to attend the festival, adding that even though he’s not sure at this time when and where the festival will take place, nevertheless, he is confident that it will happen.

When asked by Epress.am to comment on the festival and the ensuing backlash, the US Embassy in Armenia, an official supporter of the event, had this to say:

“We understand this film festival aims to promote an appreciation for tolerance, multiculturalism and the expression of diverse views and opinions. These are important values for any democratic society. We thought the film festival was a good idea when we decided to support it and we still do,” said US Embassy in Armenia Public Affairs Officer Karen Robblee.