Venice Film Festival to Premiere Documentary on Soviet Director Sergei Parajanov

A new documentary on Sergei Parajanov, titled 'I Will Revenge This World With Love - S. Parajanov', will debut at the Venice Film Festival. Directed by Zara Jian, it explores Parajanov's influential cinematic legacy and personal struggles, featuring insights from prominent directors and artists.

A new documentary about Soviet director Sergei Parajanov, titled 'I Will Revenge This World With Love - S. Parajanov,' will premiere at the Venice Film Festival this year. Directed by Zara Jian, the film highlights Parajanov's significant impact on cinema and the obstacles he encountered throughout his life.

The Hollywood Reporter exclusively provided a first look at the trailer, featuring an impressive lineup of directors and artists. Among them are Atom Egoyan, Tarsem Singh, Emir Kusturica, and Russian actress-in-exile Chulpan Khamatova. They share how Parajanov's work has profoundly influenced their lives and artistic journeys.

Born in Georgia, Sergei Parajanov emerged as a revolutionary figure in international cinema with his 1965 film 'Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors.' This film marked his departure from the socialist realism that dominated Soviet cinema, embracing experimental and poetic visual storytelling. Parajanov thus became a significant influence on independent and arthouse cinema.

His films, including 'Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors' and 'The Colour of Pomegranates' (1969), are considered among the greatest of all time by critics, including those at Sight & Sound. Despite his artistic achievements, Parajanov's life was marred by controversy and hardship, facing persecution from Soviet authorities due to his bisexuality, his films, and his political views. He was imprisoned twice because of these factors.

In her documentary, Jian uses Parajanov's life and work to reflect on current geopolitical crises and to inspire artists oppressed or silenced by those in power. In a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, Jian said, "My goal was to make a film with heroes from all over the world, to reflect the impact Parajanov has had internationally and throughout the years, not just during the Soviet era."

'I Will Revenge This World With Love - S. Parajanov' will have its world premiere in the Venice Classics section of the 2024 Venice Film Festival. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)