Epress.am News from Armenia
Writer, producer, and co-director of the film Paradjanov (2013) Olena Fetisova will not attend the ceremony for the State Award of the Republic of Armenia awarded to the film because of the country's political stance. She has requested that the cash reward be given to meeting the needs of Armenian orphans.
According to Ukrainian news provider Comments [RU], Fetisova is boycotting the awards ceremony because of Armenia's recognition of the referendum in Crimea. Recall, Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan was quoted by his press office as telling Russian President Vladimir Putin that the vote was another example of the realization of peoples’ right to self-determination via expression of free will.
"I, however, as a citizen of Ukraine, believe that it was a violation of international law and European values, and threatens peace in the world, as well as tranquility of the citizens of Ukraine and all mankind. For this reason, I officially declare that I consider it impossible to take part in the awards ceremony in Yerevan on March 21, and the part of the reward given to me I ask you to provide to the needs of Armenian orphans," wrote Fetisova in an open letter to Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan.
"I am sure that Sergei Paradjanov would have done the same," she said.