5 minute read
With the support of the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport of the Republic of Armenia and the Interstate Fund for Humanitarian Cooperation of the CIS Member States, the “Film Festival of the Commonwealth Countries” will be held in the Armenian town of Meghri on September 18–20 as part of the “Meghri – CIS Cultural Capital 2026” events.
The Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport said that the film festival is organized by the “Arm Film Industry Development” Cultural Foundation. The aim is to promote professional and creative cooperation among young filmmakers from Armenia and CIS countries, facilitate the exchange of experience, strengthen intercultural ties, and foster the development of joint film projects. It will also address the possibilities of applying new technologies and artificial intelligence in contemporary cinema.
30 short films by young filmmakers from Armenia and CIS countries
The festival’s competition program includes 30 short feature films, 16 of which represent Armenia and the remaining 14 the other CIS member states.
The international program features works by young filmmakers from the Russian Federation, the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Republic of Moldova, the Republic of Tajikistan, and the Republic of Uzbekistan.
As part of the festival, audiences will have the opportunity to watch the best short feature films by young filmmakers and become acquainted with the creative approaches of the new generation of contemporary cinema in Armenia and CIS countries.
Awards and professional program
The best works in the festival’s competition program will be evaluated by a professional jury.
Awards will be presented in the following categories:
Best Film Best Director Special Jury Prize Special Jury Mention
The festival’s professional program will also include panel discussions dedicated to opportunities for developing joint film production and the impact of artificial intelligence on contemporary cinema.
Retrospective screenings of films by cinema masters from CIS member states are also planned, giving audiences an opportunity to revisit important chapters of the region’s cinema and classical cinematic language.
The festival in Meghri
The opening ceremony of the “Film Festival of the Commonwealth Countries” will take place on September 18 at 6:00 p.m. at the Meghri Sports and Cultural Center.
On September 19–20, film screenings, professional and cultural events, as well as the festival’s closing ceremony, will be held at the “LOFT Meghri” Youth Center.
Admission to all festival events is free. For three days, residents of Meghri and visitors to the city will have the opportunity to watch the best short films of contemporary cinema, meet filmmakers from different countries, and become acquainted with the new works of young creators from Armenia and CIS countries.
Culture as a platform for cooperation and development
The aim of the film festival is not only to present contemporary cinema, but also to make culture a tool for international cooperation, professional networking, and the development of new initiatives.
The festival is supported by the Meghri Municipality, the Meghri Sports and Cultural Center, the “LOFT” non-governmental organization, represented by the “LOFT Meghri” Youth Center, and the “Dark” company.
Festival program.
Competition program.
Competition program participants.