Film Industry Challenges Will Be Resolved with a Change in Political Mindset, Says Zohrabyan

Today, discussions on legislative solutions in the film industry were held in the parliament. According to Araik Khzmalyan, Deputy Minister of Education, Science, Culture, and Sports, the best management of state support for the film industry will be ensured through established mechanisms, legally excluding corruption risks and schemes.

"The legislative regulation of the industry aims to ensure the development of the film industry in Armenia—from film production to distribution—legally defining all functions of the state management bodies in the film sector, from the distribution and spending of financial resources allocated for annual state support in the state budget to the preservation of cultural heritage, and the promotion and internationalization of Armenian cinema," he said.

Naira Zohrabyan, a member of the Prosperous Armenia faction, stated that for years there have been discussions in parliament regarding the Law on Cinema and creative unions, but there has been a lack of political will to address these issues because other priorities have been on the agenda. "Will the adoption of the Law on Cinema solve all the issues related to film production in Armenia? Will holding a Cinema Day resolve the issues of cinema? Of course, no. We must understand that this is a complex issue. This issue will be resolved if there is a change in political thinking that recognizes culture as a brand," Zohrabyan said.