"People should be brought to movie theaters"
It was a well organized, very beautiful and poetic festival. The atmosphere was friendly, and there were only technical difficulties," this is what Head of the FilmProjection Agency, technical engineer at the 8th Golden Apricot International Film Festival Christopher Mondt told "A1+". Mondt's agency has been providing technical service for nearly 22 festivals every year.
"Armenia has good technical equipment, but it appears that it hasn't been upgraded for a long time. We took that responsibilityand will do it," says the German expert.
Christopher regrets to see few movie theaters in Yerevan.
"There are 15 movie theaters in Hamburg and most of them have 8 halls," says Christopher, adding that despite that, certain theaters were shut down over the past couple of years.
"Of course, there are few people attending movie theaters, and there are movie theaters that declare bankruptcy and close down. I think it's not a matter of prices. Tickets cost 6-8 Euros, but Coca-Cola and popcorn are more expensive. I think DVDs are trying to "push" viewers out of the halls, but I think going to a movie theater is an irreplaceable feeling," says the FilmProjection Agency director.
According to Christopher Mondt, people should be brought to the movie theaters, and film festivals have to play the role of illuminators. Christopher found out about Golden Apricot two years ago. He is very content with his visit and says he will definitely participate in next year's festival.
"Armenia is an exotic country. Most of my friends are unaware of Armenia and I am always forced to show them the country on the map. I must also say that almost everyone knows about the radio in Yerevan without even knowing where the city is situated."
Christopher found out about Armenia and the Armenian Genocide after watching German film director Erik Fridler's documentary called "Aghet" a couple of years ago.
"Since there are many Turks living in Hamburg and their information was one-sided, this film was a revelation and a discovery for many Germans," said Christopher Mondt.
