Appeal of Batumi International Art-House Film Festival (BIAFF) to
International Community of film makers & cinematographers
Dear All,
On behalf of Batumi International Art-House Film Festival (BIAFF) we want to address international community of film makers and cinematographers.
During last days Russia started occupation of Georgian territory. Russia is in full-scale, brutal war with small state of Georgia which started the building of democratic country and striving to become a member of European community.
Mass violation of human rights and liberties has occurred in these days, peaceful civilians killed and civil building destroyed. Russian military forces have been bombing whole territory of Georgia and our capital city Tbilisi, the hospitals and University in Gori and Russian occupants killed local and foreign journalists.
Russia headed by Putin’s government, in 21st century still stays as Evil Empire and Jandarm of Europe as it was in past. And right now by occupation of Georgian territory clearly shows a signal to the world that they still live with imperialistic vision and international liberal values and peaceful cooperation is completely neglected by them. At the same time Russian media is is brainwashing its population and spreads out misinformation by falsification the facts and Russia’s such called president Medvedev gives awards the Killers for their “heroic“ actions against civilians in Georgia.
We hope on effective, urgent measures from international community to stop Russia which even after agreement to stop fire, continues bombing and shooting civilians in Georgia and even attacking churches and monks.
It is not only Georgia currently fighting for its freedom but it is a very important stage for many neighboring countries, region and security in Europe and world generally. Today it is Georgia - tomorrow can be other country victim of Russian aggression. The war ongoing in Georgia is a threat to International security and peace.
At this hard times for our country, we apply to all film makers, cinematographers and people in arts & Culture of the world (and Russian colleagues among them) to raise their voices and protest against the ethnic-cleaning and genocide of Georgians in their native country (which Russia already did in 1990’s in one of Georgian region - Abkhazia) and attempts of Russia to destroy the Georgian state.
We ask you to sign the online petition - "Stop Russia's Unlawful Military Invasion in Sovereign Georgia" - http://www.petitiononline.com/557799
Best regards,
Zviad Eliziani & Giorgi Gogiberidze
BIAFF / Batumi Art House ARGANI