Film Series. Artavazd Peleshyan films: THE SEASONS OF THE YEAR (1975), WE (1969), OUR CENTURY (1983)
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
12:00 AM
1636 International Institute/SSWB, 1080 S. University
"Seasons of the Year" (1975), a film-essay about the contradiction and the harmony between man and nature, was the last collaboration of Armenia's two most important documentary authors: Artavazd Peleshian and Mikhail Vartanov. This is the first film made by Peleshian without the use of archival footage likely due to the exquisite cinematography by Vartanov. Peleshian's Seasons of the Year (1975) is one of the 3 most important documentary films made in Armenia.
“We” (1969). This film explores the identity and fate of the Armenian nation. We are shown images of common people carrying on with their everyday work and putting behind personal disappointments, but shattering national tragedies, despite (and perhaps because of) which their faith stands affirmed. If anything can be made of Peleshian’s attitude here, it must be his unassailable faith in the ability of humanity to survive.
“Our Century” (1983). This film presents an intellectual quest, national tragedies and personal drama through the story of some cosmonauts (and astronauts) preparing themselves for a flight to space. Peleshyan constructing the film around this event, explores his themes through a complex editing system coupled with an equally complex soundtrack. This flight and drama are revealed in this philosophical film-poem.
“We” (1969). This film explores the identity and fate of the Armenian nation. We are shown images of common people carrying on with their everyday work and putting behind personal disappointments, but shattering national tragedies, despite (and perhaps because of) which their faith stands affirmed. If anything can be made of Peleshian’s attitude here, it must be his unassailable faith in the ability of humanity to survive.
“Our Century” (1983). This film presents an intellectual quest, national tragedies and personal drama through the story of some cosmonauts (and astronauts) preparing themselves for a flight to space. Peleshyan constructing the film around this event, explores his themes through a complex editing system coupled with an equally complex soundtrack. This flight and drama are revealed in this philosophical film-poem.
