Poetry in Motion: Parajanov’s Masterpiece The Color of Pomegranates

2024 marks the 100th anniversary of Sergei Parajanov, one of the most critically and internationally acclaimed film directors of the Soviet era. Born in Tbilissi, of Armenian parents, Parajanov is mostly remembered today for his 1969 masterpiece “The Color of Pomegranates”, shot in the monastery of Haghpat in Armenia. Inspired by a wide variety of art practices and by the rich traditions of Armenian art, the film is a unique cinematic representation of the inner life of 18th century Armenian poet Sayat Nova. Breaking with the codes of narrative cinema, it invents a new language, crossing the boundaries and freely borrowing from the art of poetry, painting and theater. Despite its censorship by the Soviet authorities, “The Color of Pomegranates” was eventually released in the West and Parajanov’s creative genius was recognized by renown European and American filmmakers. His influence continues to be felt across generations and artistic fields, as shown by Lady Gaga’s tribute in her music video "911".

Originally published July 2024.

About the speaker

Marie-Aude Baronian

Marie-Aude Baronian is an Associate Professor in Visual Culture and Film at the University of Amsterdam. She has written extensively on the relationship between images, archive, and testimony, on Armenian diasporic artistic practices, on memory, media and visual arts, on ethics and aesthetics, and on fashion and textiles. Her most recent monographic book is Screening Memory: The Prosthetic Images of Atom Egoyan (Belgian Royal Academy, 2017).

Marie-Aude Baronian