On January 9, the documentary “I Will Take Revenge on the World Through Love – S. Parajanov,” directed by Zara Dzhyan, will premiere in Yerevan to mark the birthday of Sergei Parajanov. The global premiere of the film took place at the Venice International Film Festival, marking a historic return of the Armenian flag and cinema to Venice after over two decades.
The documentary, a French-Armenian co-production, sheds light on Parajanov’s artistic journey and the challenges he faced. Zara Dzhyan emphasized that this project is not a traditional autobiography but a profound exploration of a director navigating life’s complexities. The narrative intertwines past and present through Parajanov’s art, presenting universal themes of freedom, resilience, and the human spirit under oppressive conditions.
The documentary features interviews with renowned filmmakers and cultural figures, including Atom Egoyan, Emir Kusturica, Tarsemm Singh, Chulpan Khamatova, Joel Chapron, Ali Khamrayev, Laura Guerra, academician Levon Abrahamyan, and director Artavazd Peleshyan. Parajanov himself emerges as the symbolic 10th hero, uniting all participants through their shared admiration and love for his legacy.
The film has been celebrated at prestigious festivals worldwide, including Venice, Naples, Belgium, Serbia, and Argentina. Notably, the screening at the Mar del Plata International Film Festival in Argentina marked Parajanov’s symbolic return after 59 years, following his victory there in 1965 with “Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors.”
Through Parajanov’s life and work, the documentary delves into critical issues such as cultural survival in the face of oppression, the impact of war on art, and the struggle for freedom in unfree circumstances. It highlights Parajanov’s enduring message that creativity and life must persist despite the barriers imposed by authoritarian regimes.
Supported by the Armenian National Film Center, the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture, and Sports, along with French institutions such as CNC and Cine+, the film represents a major achievement in Armenian and international cinema. The Yerevan premiere promises to reignite interest in Parajanov’s legacy, inspiring audiences with his story of resilience and artistic triumph.
