The State Minister for Reconciliation and Civic Equality Ketevan Tsikhelashvili attended the opening of the International Animation Film Festival in the village of Nikozi, Gori municipality. 

This year the event is held for the eighth time. Documentary film "Nikozi" dedicated to the 10th anniversary of the August war, prepared by the Archbishop of Nikozi and Tskhinvali Archbishop Isaia was showed to the guests of the festival. 

As the State Minister said in her welcoming speech, the fact that the occupation line passes in a few meters brings to this festival more importance.

"I'm really very happy that this festival reaches a well-deserved recognition from year to year. For this I would like to express my gratitude to the Archbishop Isaia.

This is not just a festival. This is the join effort of church and civilian societies that is equal to the heroism. What's happening in Nikozi is unique. Because 10 years ago, bullets whistled and mines exploded here. But people managed to get it all back and brick by brick restore everything. Besides, from a meters from here there are barbed wires…

What happened 10 years ago is not history. This is daily life, especially here. And this festival is a symbol of life, hope and belief. This is what we oppose occupation and barbed wire fences.

Unfortunately, in the 21st century, there are Georgian - Ossetian mixed villages divided by fences. People live here, they look at each other, and they cannot shake hands. It’s ugly. But this is a symbol and a reality of occupation. And this is why I think it’s not sustainable. This cannot be sustainable. Barbed wire is not a lasting measure. And I believe that the power of love, development, hope and belief will definitely defeat the occupation", - said Ketevan Tsikhelashvili.

The event, which is supported by the Office of the State Minister for Reconciliation and Civic Equality, will end on 7 September.