100th Anniversary of Foundation of Armenian Cinema - 1,000 dram 2023

Modern Silver Commemorative - 257

Obverse: the logotypes of “Haykino” and “Hayfilm” studios.
Reverse: the stylized images of a film strip and а projector.

Denomination: 1,000 dram
Metal: Silver 925
Weight: 33.6g
Diameter: 40mm
Mintage: 200 pcs.
Edge: Reeded
Strike quality: Proof
Designers: Lusine Lalayan (obverse), Eduard Kurghinyan (reverse).
Mint: Poland

On April 16, 1923, the first Armenian film, "Namus" (Honor), directed by Hamo Beknazarian, was shown in the Armenian Republic. Following this, several films were produced. In 1926, "Zare" was screened for the first time, in 1935 "Pepo" was shown, and in 1938 the film "The Girl of the Plain" was produced. In 1954, the first Armenian color film "Spring" was made.

From the 1950s to the 1960s, a new wave of Armenian cinema emerged. Films such as "The Song of the First Love" (directed by Yuri Yerznkyan and Naira Vagharshakyan), "Seven Songs" (directed by Arman Manaryan), "A Girl from Ararat Valley" (directed by Gevorg Melik-Avagyan), and "Hot Day" (directed by Arman Manaryan) were produced.

In the 1970s and 1980s, Armenian cinema continued to develop. Notable films included "The Color of Pomegranates" (directed by Sergei Parajanov), "Autumn Sun" (directed by Levon Mkrtchyan), "The Robbery" (directed by Aram Shahbazyan), and "Last Sunday" (directed by Artavazd Peleshyan).

In 1985, the film "Nairi's Evening" (directed by Aram Shahbazyan) was shown in the Venice Film Festival, highlighting the uniqueness of Armenian cinema.

Armenian cinema continued to evolve, with a notable increase in the number of films produced. Today, around 700 to 2500 films are produced annually, showcasing the talent and creativity of Armenian filmmakers.