Today, The International Animated Film Festival opened in the village of Nikozi, near the occupation line. The Representative-governor of Shida Kartli,-Giorgi Khojevanishvili, Metropolitan of Nikozi and Tskhinvali, Archbishop Isaia, Metropolitan of Gori and Ateni, Archbishop Andria, Ketevan Tsikhelashvili,-the State Minister for Reconciliation and Civic Equality of Georgia and other invited visitors attended the event. 

Georgian and the directors-animators from foreign countries are participating in the International Animated Film Festival.  Apart from that, within the week, famous cinematographers will conduct seminars and mastery lessons for the young people who are interested in the art of animation.  

The Representative-governor of Shida Kartli,in his speech, gave a special attention to the importance of festival for the region: 

„Today’s event is very important for the whole region as local young generation has been given an opportunity  to be involved in educational and cultural events just at the spot, which in turn is the reply to the barbed wire fences and which are very near  Nikozi’’,-noted Giorgi Khojevanishvili. 

Today, on the first day of the festival symbolically, the film "Nikozi" dedicated to the 10th anniversary of the August war was shown. The Festival of Nikozi Animated Films is held for the eight times this year. The week of events will last till the 7^th of  September.