TOURINFO-On January 9, 2024, a momentous event unfolded in Yerevan as artists and government officials came together for the ceremonial inauguration of the Sergey Parajanov statue at Yerevan Cinema House.
This poignant occasion marked the centenary of the birth of the renowned director, Sergei Parajanov, born on January 9, 1924, in Tbilisi, Georgia. Parajanov, also known as Parajanov (Sarkis Paradjanian), was a prominent Soviet filmmaker of Armenian heritage, leaving an indelible mark on Ukrainian, Armenian, and Georgian cinema throughout the 20th century. The rich cultural tapestry of the Caucasus region, where he spent his formative years, profoundly influenced his artistic vision.
Parajanov’s friends, government officials, and fellow artists highlighting the collective recognition of his enduring impact on the world of cinema, attended the inauguration ceremony. To orchestrate the comprehensive celebrations for the 100th anniversary, a governmental committee, chaired by Araik Harutyunyan, has been established. Notably, UNESCO has acknowledged the significance of Parajanov’s centenary by including it in its list of prestigious events.
Arayik Harutyunyan, Chief of Staff of the Prime Minister’s Office and Head of the Organizational Commission for the 100th Anniversary Celebrations of Sergey Parajanov, shared that the years 2023 and 2024 would not only commemorate Parajanov but also honor other esteemed artists such as Aram Khachaturyan and Charles Aznavour. The planned commemorations extend beyond Yerevan, with events scheduled throughout Armenia in 2024 and celebrations in Georgia and France to honor Parajanov’s global impact.
At the onset of the anniversary events, the Minister of Education, Science, Culture, and Sport Zhanna Andreasyan unveiled plans for a visionary project – creating a park of stars and a “Pomegranate Color” square in front of the Cinema House. Her aspiration for a more global celebration of Parajanov’s legacy was evident in the proposed Park of Stars, emphasizing the international resonance of the filmmaker’s contributions.
Adding to the significance of the day, a statue of the film director and screenwriter Sergey Parajanov, sculpted by Ara Alekyan, was unveiled at Yerevan’s Cinema House to commemorate his 100th birthday. The statue is destined for relocation to The Color of Pomegranates Square outside the Cinema House, a symbolic gesture paying homage to Parajanov’s iconic 1969 art film.
This multi-faceted celebration beautifully encapsulates the life and impact of a cinematic luminary, ensuring that his legacy continues to shine brightly in the global cultural landscape.
Juanita Mouradian-TOURINFO
