Armenian director hails Iran’s standing in world cinema

Armenian film director and producer has said Iran cinema enjoys grand status worldwide.

Hrachya Keshishian told reporters that he has been eager to coproduce with Iran's cinema industry in the future.

Noting the two nations’ shared cultural values, the director expressed interest and hope to cooperate with Iran in the arena of cinematic production.

Keshishian praised Iran's status as beneficial for Armenia, adding that his nation would learn a lot from such proposed coproduction.

He said Armenia, despite its small size, has a long history of cinematic productions and that the industry intends to develop its productions.

Among the future bilateral programs is to work on joint production outside Armenia, through which Armenia will witness development in its cinematic field and Iran also would benefit from a very good market, he said.

Referring to the Iran-Armenia joint film 'Yeva' directed by Anahid Abad, the acclaimed Armenian director welcomed the screening of Iranian films in Armenia.

He added that the Iranian cinema features spiritual films which have their own fans.

He also described the late internationally-acclaimed Iranian film director Abbas Kiarostami as one of the best directors he has ever known.

Keshishian produced Armenian National Music Awards and in 2006-2008 and he was the producer for the contestants from Armenia at the 'Eurovision' international music competition.

The director is winner of several local and international awards for his films, as well as music videos including the Movses Khorenatsi Medal.

MF/MG