The Sergei Paradjanov Festival in London and Bristol was opened with Yuri Mechitov’s photographic exhibition at the National Theatre Monday, February 22.
The exhibition is composed of rarely seen photographs taken by Georgian photographer Yuri Mechitov during his 11 year friendship with the director.
The Sergei Paradjanov Festival in London and Bristol is the first major celebration of the legendary artist and filmmaker whose talent transcends religious and political boarders, drawing on the cultural traditions of Georgia, Armenia, Ukraine and Russia. The Festival aims to present the life and works of Sergei Paradjanov to UK audiences through a series of diverse events that include: a film season; a moving image installation; a symposium and a workshop at the BFI Southbank; a photographic exhibition at the National Theatre; screenings and talks at Pushkin House; a concert at St. Yeghiche Armenian Church; a film retrospective at Arnolfini (Bristol); and a photographic exhibition at The Bristol Gallery.
"The films of Sergei Paradjanov have always captivated me with their unique cinematic language and the poetic strength of their imagination. For me, Paradjanov is like a slap in the face to banality, harshness, self-interest and general uniformity," festival organiser Layla Alexander-Garrett said.
The festival will last till March 28.
