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| A statue of Parajanov unveiled today in Yerevan |
09.01.2024 (Caucasian Journal). Caucasian Journal today joins in the celebration of 100 years since birth of Sergei PARAJANOV - world famous film director, who also symbolizes the interconnection and interdependence of the Armenian, Georgian, and all Caucasian art and culture.
"In the temple of cinema, there are images, light and reality. Sergei Parajanov was the master of that temple," - said Jean-Luc Godard, arguably the most influential French filmmaker.
Sergei Parajanov (1924–1990) was indeed a multifaceted and influential figure in the world of cinema, known for his unique artistic vision and a body of work that remains highly regarded. Born in Tbilisi, to Armenian parents, Parajanov's life and career were marked by a rich blend of cultural influences from both Georgia and Armenia.
The Parajanov’s anniversary is included in the UNESCO list of anniversaries of outstanding personalities, and is celebrated worldwide, including Yerevan and Tbilisi. A statue of Parajanov was unveiled today in Yerevan, in the area adjacent to the Cinema House (see photo). Yerevan municipality is planning to name the square where the statue is placed The Color of Pomegranates Square - in honor of Sergei Parajanov’s film entitled "The Color of Pomegranates". In Tbilisi, IArt Gallery is organizing a special event in honor of the maestro.
Parajanov's contribution to cinema is particularly celebrated for his ability to transcend traditional storytelling and embrace a poetic and visual approach to filmmaking. His films were a flawless hybrid of almost all art forms. Some of his most notable works include "Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors" (1964) and "The Color of Pomegranates" (1969). His films often incorporated vivid imagery, symbolic motifs, and non-linear narratives, making him a pioneer of poetic cinema.
His films have an intense beauty, and resonate with an inexpressible visual logic. Many critics tell of his inattention to story, plot, and character, but he is in fact telling extremely rich stories in the same way a painter would tell them on a canvas. Parajanov was able to innovate beautiful score, hypnotic choreography, and powerful performances into his highly baroque 'living pictures.'
In addition to his achievements as a filmmaker, Parajanov's life was also marked by political and personal challenges. He faced censorship and persecution from Soviet authorities due to his non-conformist style and outspoken views. Due to the radical surrealism of his "Sayat Nova", the KGB arrested him on trumped up charges of homosexuality. Parajanov's refusal to adhere to the artistic and ideological constraints imposed by the Soviet regime led to his imprisonment on charges that many considered politically motivated.
As a political dissident, Parajanov became a symbol of resistance against the Soviet system's constraints on artistic expression. Despite the challenges he faced, his commitment to his unique vision remained unwavering.
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| A statue of Parajanov unveiled in Yerevan |
Parajanov's legacy extends beyond his role as a filmmaker; he is remembered as a cultural icon and a symbol of artistic freedom. His influence can be seen in the works of subsequent generations of filmmakers who appreciate his innovative and unconventional approach to storytelling and visual aesthetics.
On the occasion of what would have been his 100th birthday, it is a fitting time to reflect on the enduring impact of Sergei Parajanov's contributions to world cinema and to recognize the complex interplay of cultural, political, and personal factors that shaped his life and art.
Alexander Kaffka, editor-in-chief of Caucasian Journal
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