Serge Avedikian honoured in Yerevan with a retrospective of his films from 9 to 13 November
- Published
- Place
- Yerevan, Armenia
- Event date
- Upcoming event —
Summary
French-Armenian filmmaker and actor Serge Avedikian, born in Yerevan, is the subject of a retrospective in the Armenian capital from 9 to 13 November, organised by the Armenian National Cinema Centre alongside the ReA animation festival. The opening night, this Monday at the Nairi cinema, brings together three animated-painting shorts: Lifeline, One Fine Morning and Barking Island (Chienne d’histoire), winner of the Short Film Palme d’Or at Cannes in 2010. Next come Return to Sölöz on 10 November, Mission Accomplished and The Fifth Dream on 11 November at Vernatun, The One We Were Waiting For, shot in the village of Khachik, on 12 November, and The Paradjanov Scandal on 13 November. At the festival’s opening on 7 November, ReA gave him a special award for his contribution to animation. He is also presenting his next film, Last Round in Istanbul, now in production.
Analysis
In an interview published on 9 November, Avedikian urged young Armenian filmmakers to “find their own language” rather than imitate, citing Parajanov, Pelechian and animator Robert Sahakyants. With no domestic market, he argues, Armenia must bet on international co-productions and universal stories. He also said he dreams of a bigger role for French alongside English. He is working with artificial intelligence on his new project, but refuses to let it dictate the director’s vision.
Possible consequences
The screenings on 10, 12 and 13 November, at 7.30 pm at the Nairi cinema, end with a public Q&A; the one on 11 November at Vernatun is by invitation.
