The directors, actors and screenwriters of Armenian descent made a great contribution to the history of world cinema. Ruben Mamulyan, Seryi Parajanov, Armen Dzhigarkhanyan, Frunzik Mkrtchyan, Keosayanov dianasty, Henry Oganesyan, Henri Vernoy, Karen Shakhnazarov - and this is not a complete list.
Armenian cinema: origins and history of development
Last year, Armenian cinema turned 90 years old. His birthday is considered April 16, 1923. It was then that a decree of the Council of People's Commissars of the Armenian SSR decided to create the Goskino of Armenia, headed by Daniel Dznuni and Amo Beknazaryan. The very first film shot in 1925 at the Armenian film studio was “Namus” (“Honor”). The director of this silent film was Amo Beknazaryan. In 1926, the film was released on cinema screens in Yerevan and Moscow. So, Armenian cinema first appeared on Russian screens. Only 10 years after that, in 1935, the first sound film “Pepo” was shot based on the play of the famous playwright Gabriel Sundukyan, the director was the same Amo Beknazaryan. At the same time, a Hollywood director of Armenian origin Ruben Mamulyan became the creator of the world's first full-length color film - Becky Sharp (“Becky Sharp”). The release date for the screen of this picture in the history of world cinema is taken as the birthday of color cinema. In the 30s – 40s of the 20th century, several historical and patriotic films were shot at “Armenfilm” film studio: “Zangezur”, “David-Beck”, etc. During the Patriotic War, production of films on “Armenfilm” was suspended . Armenian cinema revived in the fifties, and, in addition to feature films, documentary film production also began to develop. During these years, paintings about the life of the legendary revolutionary Kamo - “Personally Known” and “Extraordinary Commission” won great popularity. And in France at that time one of the greatest directors of our time - Henri Verneuil, and in the early sixties at the Ukrainian film studio named after him, began to take his first steps in cinema. Dovzhenko was born the star of the brilliant director Sereya Parajanova. In the 60s-70s, historical films about the national liberation struggle of the Armenian people “Star of Hope”, where the famous Armenian actor Armen Dzhigarkhanyan and “Northern Rainbow” were shot, were shot. Then came the screens of musical films “Karine”, “Song of First Love”, “Heart Sings”, etc. The comedies “Men” and “Bride from the North” were most popular. The Armenian cinema of the Soviet period was rich in films with philosophical implications; therefore, it was widely recognized not only in the Union, but also abroad.
Post-Soviet period of Armenian cinema
After the collapse of the USSR, Armenian cinema faced many difficulties, especially in terms of financing. The transition to private production lasted long enough. However, today, it seems, everything fell into place. There are many talented directors in the country who create both game and documentary films. In addition, many talented directors from the diaspora come to their historical homeland and create joint films. The theme of the Armenian Genocide in 1915 is especially relevant. “Mayrik” (Henri Verneuil), “Ararat” (Atom Egoyan), “Aram” (Atom Egoyan) - these films were originally shot in French with the participation of world cinema stars, but the Russian viewer could see them on the screen in Russian, and in Armenia - in Armenian. Cinema comedy is a genre that is most in demand in Armenian society today. Dozens of comedies are created annually, however, along with them, historical, adventure films, psychological dramas, etc. are also shot.
Armenian cinema news
“The Incredible Adventures of an American in Armenia” (2012) - comedy.
“If All” (2012) is a drama.
“Poker.eyem” (2012) - a comedy.
“Horseback Riding” (2013) - Armenian-Kazakh joint comedy film.
“Tsasum” (2012) - trailer, horror.
“Garegin Nzhdeh” (2013) - historical drama.
“Little Commander” (2013) - comedy.