YEREVAN, OCTOBER 8, NOYAN TAPAN. One of the most prominent figures in the world cinematography, legendary Italian screenwriter, dramatist, painter, sculptor Tonino Guerra is in Yerevan. The Italian master has arrived in Armenia with his constant companion, his wife Lora Guerra. The couple had first arrived in Armenia in 2006, within the framework of the Golden Apricot (Voske Tsiran) international film festival, after which they got attached to Armenians. The Italian artist has written screen versions for the most famous directors of the world during his life. He knew Armenia just through the art of prominent Armenian cinematographers. "I think a travel to Armenia cannot be just a simple visit. I think to travel to Armenia means to travel to the heaven." Tonino Guerra expressed such an opinion about Armenia at a press conference held on October 7 at the National Gallery of Armenia, dedicated to the start of the cultural days under the title Tonino Guerra and His Friends. "When I returned to Italy after my last visit I was constantly speaking about Armenia for one year. Now I cannot precisely speak about my feelings, but one can see them more clearly in my pictures." Retrospective film showings will be organized, exhibitions and meetings with Tonino Guerra and his friends will be held within the framework of the cultural days being held on October 7-28, on the initiative of the Goyak cultural association. An exhibition of Tonino Guerra's works created after his previous visit to Armenia was opened the same day at the National Gallery. And an exhibition of pictures of Marina Azizian residing in Saint Petersburg was opened in the neighboring hall. The author of the latters has seasoned them with fragments from Guerra's poetry.

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