Our Mission

The "Apricot Tree" International Documentary Film Festival aims to create a platform for cultural dialogue, bringing together filmmakers and audiences from different corners of the world. We believe that documentary cinema has the infinite power to change the world, break stereotypes, and make human stories heard.

History of the Festival

2015

Founding

The festival was held for the first time in Yerevan. (Note: The festival was founded in 2014, with the first event in 2015).

2016

Expansion

The festival's geography expanded to include Yerevan, Gyumri, and the village of Ujan in the Aragatsotn province.

2017-2022

The Ujan Period

The festival was held entirely in Ujan, becoming a truly rural festival.

2023

Lori Province

The festival moved to the picturesque Lori province of Armenia.

2025

11th IFF

The festival will be held in the villages of Debed and Dsegh in the Lori province.

Festival Goals

🏘️

Decentralization

To decentralize cultural life in Armenia, where the overwhelming majority of cultural events take place in the capital.

🎬

Best Films

To bring the world's best documentary films to Armenia, in all their variety and manifestations.

🤝

Intercultural Contact

To provide an opportunity for the rural population to establish direct human connections with the participants they host.

🇦🇲

Armenian Culture

To introduce foreign artists to Armenian culture without the tourist gloss, and to the daily life of the Armenian villager.

👶

Children's Development

To create new opportunities for village children within the framework of the film school and creative workshops.

🚌

Tourism Development

To promote inbound tourism by bringing urban audiences and international guests to the festival location.