Apricot Tree International Documentary Film Festival

About

Apricot Tree International Documentary Film Festival takes place annually in late August - early September in an Armenian village. Since 2023, the festival is taking place in the village of Debet. 

This is as much a celebration of documentary films of all genres (ethnographic, experimental, animated etc.), as it is a platform where filmmakers from around the world can meet and discuss ideas in a friendly atmosphere, all while living in the houses of the friendly villagers, getting an opportunity to experience Armenian culture up close. 

To this end, Apricot Tree is devoid of red carpets and grandiose ceremonies. Instead, the festival is mainly held in the village of Debet, about 2,5 hours away from Yerevan, where participants are accommodated in the houses of the villagers. Apricot Tree aims at creating a cozy friendly environment where participants can bond with one another and the audience and the local rural population, gain new knowledge about the world by watching each other's films and not least of all – have fun.

Through various excursions to museums and landmarks participants of the festival are given the opportunity to get acquainted with local culture and history. They are invited to hike, explore and share bread with the hospitable people of Debet.

Apricot Tree has two competition programs – Feature-length (above 40 minutes) and Short (under 40 minutes). The festival also has an Out of Competition program that includes retrospectives and screenings of notable films that are relevant to the festival’s theme.

Apricot Tree IDFF is the initiative of FILMADARAN Film Culture Development Organization.

Awards

The jury, operating on a democratic basis with equal votes for everyone, hands out awards in the following categories:

• Grand Prix – Feature-length competition
• Special Jury Prize – Feature-length competition
• Grand Prix – Short docs competition
• Special Jury Prize – Short docs competition

Also, special prizes are presented by the Debet Community Council, Filmadaran Film Culture Development NGO and Folk Arts Hub Foundation.

Rules

- Documentary films of all kinds can apply (ethnographic, anthropological, experimental, animated etc.)

- Deadline for applications is May 15, 2024.

- All films must have English subtitles.

- By submitting a film, copyright holders automatically agree that clips from their films can be used by the festival for promotional purposes.

- Online screeners are highly preferable. If an online screener is unavailable, DVDs must be sent by regular mail to the following address: RA, Yerevan 0052, 30 Aghasi Str. (please, do not use any courier service while sending your DVDs, unless asked).

- If selected, the participant will be asked to provide the festival with a MP4 H.264 codec file of the film for screening purposes and an .srt or .ass English subtitles file.

- Please note that the festival does not cover travel expenses for selected participants; however it does provide free accommodation and meals in the village of Debet (Lori Province, Armenia) during the festival.

- Please note that selected participants will be accommodated in the houses of the residents of Debet (Lori Province, Armenia).

- We’re always happy to watch your films, so don’t even think of hesitating – apply now! Good luck!

- In case of any question, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@atieff.org. 

Premiere Requirements

No premiere requirement

Jury and Organizers

Filmadaran Film Culture Development NGO

https://www.facebook.com/filmadaranNGO