Issues of Hayfilm discussed at public platform
Taking into account the public interest towards Hayfilm (Armenfilm) studio, Narek Babayan, the Chairman of the State Property Management Committee, has initiated a public discussion on his Facebook page several days ago. The invitation was addressed by 30 representatives from this domain, members of the Hayfilm Vertsnund Initiative, young and experienced professionals. The meeting took place on August 4, at the Cinema House. Minister of Culture Lilit Makunts and other officials also took part in the meeting. Experts concerned with the fate of Armenian cinema and Hayfilm have raised numerous issues related to company status, investment attraction and state support. The President of the State Property Management Committee and the Minister of Culture responded to those concerns, presented the current situation and assured that no film-related decision will be made without public discussion. Narek Babayan said: "Hayfilm's building occupies 17 thousand sq. M from about 25 hectares land and the investments for the protection, and especially for development, of such a vast territory are huge. It is obvious that the state today does not have enough resources to give millions of dollars to the company's resuscitation. On the other hand, the fact that today Hayfilm is on the Privatization Program list does not mean that it will definitely be privatized. The most optimal variant should be chosen as a result of comprehensive discussions." Deputy Chairman of the Committee Gevorg Loretsyan added that any proposed option should be substantiated and the outcome expected from the solution should be predictable. Representatives of the company told the discussion participants that they have only 14 employees, of which 5 are on security but they try to keep and save as much as possible. According to them, all the subdivisions that are currently demanded, operate and can work with much more load, in the presence of orders. In this regard, the support of Ministry of Culture also is expected. The participants also touched upon the history of privatization in 2005, reminded that there were numerous publications in the press that questioned the legality of the deal and offered to apply to the law enforcement agencies. The Committee Chairperson and the Minister of Culture clarified that many issues relating to the Hayfilm need to be separated, as they refer to the protection of property and buildings, investments, cinematography, Soviet-Armenian cinematography and, in general, sector policies, in order to find systematic solutions much easier. There were many concerns and views, sensual assessments, as well as rhetorical questions and to bring them to the subject Narek Babayan urged the participants to make clear suggestions, and assured that each and every of them will be discussed with the Ministry of Culture. State Property Management Committee:
