The State Minister of Georgia for Reconciliation and Civic Equality Ketevan Tsikhelashvili delivered a welcoming speech at the opening of the Nikozi International Festival of Animated Films in the village of Nikozi, Gori municipality.

This year the event is being held for the ninth time. Visitors from many countries have visited Nikozi for participation in it. The one-week festival includes film screenings, classical music and folk concerts, exhibitions and etc. 

The State Minister spoke about the importance of the festival and said it is a unique event which took place in a village divided by barbed wire and where shells were falling 11 years ago.

“This place was restored by Reverend Isaiah and his villagers with their own hands. It is a symbol of our non-breaking and faith, that we will surely be able to defeat the occupation and its ugly manifestations - the barbed wire. This is the best answer, as it is a language of art, love, a universal language that will surely help build “bridges of trust” along the dividing lines where people live under enormous pressure. I'm sure the little ones there also want to have the opportunity even to participate in an animated film festival, to attend the art school that Reverend Isaiah organized here and not be in a state of occupation that depriving them of a future.

"All our policies are designed in order to help our fellow citizens from Tskhinvali region and Abkhazia through engagement, reconciliation and very pragmatic mechanisms, to share various opportunities that exist on the territory controlled by the central Government. Let's create a better future together! I am sure that with such an answer, with such dedication and love we will definitely achieve our goals”, - said Ketevan Tsikhelashvili.

The event was also attended by the Deputy State Minister Lia Gigauri, Shida Kartli State Representative-Governor Giorgi Khojevanishvili, Gori Mayor Konstantine Tavzarashvili, representatives of the diplomatic corps, etc. The festival will end on September 6.