Ukrainian Film Director Refuses Armenian President\’s Award

Producer and co-director of the film “Parajanov” Elena Fetisova has refused the state award of the Republic of Armenia saying she will not attend the award ceremony in Yerevan as a sign of disconent with the Armenian authorities’ stance on the Crimea referendum. She also declined to accept a monetary award, requesting instead that the sum go to orphanages in Armenia, Comments.ua reported.

The Ukrainian director said she thinks that the Crimea referendum was held in violation of international law and European values, and poses a threat to the peace of the citizens of Ukraine. Fetisova has expressed her anger in an open letter to Armenian President Serzh Sarkisian. There she said that Parajanov would unequivocally act likewise if alive.