
ArmInfo. The GAIFF Pro film production platform, which will bring together leading representatives of the global film industry, introduce participants to innovative technologies, and open up new opportunities for international collaboration, will launch as part of the Golden Apricot Film Festival from July 13 to 18.
This year, the GAIFF Pro program includes professional workshops, master classes, practical discussions, and panel sessions for directors, producers, and other film industry specialists.
In particular, Nordisk Film & TV Fond consultant Ove Rishoj Jensen will conduct a workshop on "FOMO in Filmmaking: How to Avoid It," helping filmmakers identify the key message of their projects and strengthen their international presentation.
Victor Eden, a member of the CNC FAI Commission, PROCIREP ANGOA Commission, Eurodoc, and DAE, will focus his presentation on co-production as a form of creative collaboration, focusing on the specifics of international partnerships, financing, and the organization of the creative process. Lhagvadulam Purev-Ochir, a winner of the Orizzonti program at the Venice Film Festival, will conduct a masterclass on screenwriting, presenting his approach to creating auteur films.
GAIFF Pro 2026 will also feature professional discussions on artificial intelligence, copyright, film marketing, co-production, and the role of casting in the international film industry. As reported to ArmInfo by the film festival's press service, GAIFF Pro announced a partnership with Magnific AI (formerly Freepik), a leading artificial intelligence platform. As part of the partnership, an exclusive AI Filmmaking Workshop will be held, dedicated to the use of artificial intelligence in film production.
Intellectual property and civil law specialist Evgenia Nikoghosyan, ReArmenia founder Gevorg Poghosyan, and director and producer of "Little Mher" (2026) Hovhannes Margaryan will also participate in a discussion on the future of artificial intelligence and creative industries.
Armen Karaoglanyan, founder and executive director of the Armenian Film Society, will present strategies for international film promotion, and Mariam Chachia will share her experience with the international co- production of the documentary project "Wave."
The main panel discussion, "Local Talent, Global Recognition: Casting as a Creative Bridge," will focus on the opportunities for local actors to reach the international stage. Participants in the latter will include Filmmakers Europe Director David Zitzlsperger and casting directors Hermina Fatjoli and Harika Uygur. In 2026, the GAIFF Pro Rendezvous series of author meetings will also take place.
Special guests include Jessica Hausner, Academy Award winner Pawel Pawlikowski, film historian Mark Cousins, Proximity Media co-founder Sev Ohanian, and French-Armenian actor Simon Abkarian.