FILM REVIEW. The unbroken spirit of an artist: Zara Jian's new film re-examines Parajanov's art and influence
A cherished memory from the 2013 Pomegranate Film Festival; Kalout Babian, the beloved Toronto-Armenian photographer whose work and memory are highlighted in Zara Jian's film and this review, on stage to introduce the biographical drama, 'PARADJANOV' (directed by Serge Avedikian and Olena Fetisova). (Photo courtesy of the Pomegranate Film Festival)
Zara Jian's latest film, ''I Will Revenge this world with Love' – S. Paradjanov,' is a visually stunning tribute to one of world cinema's most enigmatic and celebrated figures: Sergei Parajanov. Following its premiere at the 2024 Venice International Film Festival, the documentary made its Yerevan debut in early January.
The film deftly interweaves Parajanov's extraordinary legacy with Jian's deeply personal journey as an artist, exploring the resilience of the creative spirit in the face of immense adversity. The narrative's core is simple: Jian returns to Armenia during a period of global and personal upheaval, finding solace and inspiration inside the Sergei Parajanov Museum in Yerevan. From this artistic sanctuary, Jian crafts a moving story that celebrates Parajanov's genius and addresses the profound challenges artists face in the world today.
Visually, the film is a masterstroke. Canadian-Armenian cinematographer Norayr Kasper transforms every frame into a work of art. Through meticulous shots of the museum's subtle details and compelling interview footage, Kasper's lens creates a gripping visual tapestry.
One of the documentary's most impactful segments features Toronto's own Atom Egoyan. He reflects on his first introduction to Parajanov's world, which came through the photographs and memories of another cherished pillar of our community, the late, great Kaloust Babian. Babian had spent time with Parajanov during the period of the filmmaker's house arrest, capturing striking images that laid bare the master's defiant spirit. Egoyan poignantly recounts how he 'met' Parajanov through these photographs long before he ever saw one of his films. For the Armenian community in Toronto, this connection is particularly heartfelt, as Babian's legacy continues to inspire many of us.
Egoyan's reflections deepen as he recalls collaborating with Kasper on his film 'Calendar' in newly independent Armenia. The film was shot, among other locations, in the Haghpat Monastery, the very site where the beautiful scenes from Parajanov's 'The Color of Pomegranates' came to life. Egoyan shares that, in doing so, he directly experienced the profound influence of Parajanov's visual language. In a memorable moment, Egoyan addresses Kasper, standing behind the camera, recalling their shared journey and drawing parallels between their work and Parajanov's.
The emotional heart of the film lies in its study of art's ability to triumph over oppression. Parajanov's life, scarred by imprisonment and censorship, becomes a powerful symbol of artistic insubordination. Even under the harshest conditions, he continued to create, using any material at hand to fashion collages, sculptures, and drawings.
Jian also tackles contemporary issues, drawing parallels between Parajanov's struggle and the crises in Artsakh and Ukraine. Although these segments occasionally feel overloaded, they ultimately underscore the universality of Parajanov's message: Art is a powerful tool for resistance and healing.
A brilliant series of interviews features Emir Kusturica, Tarsem Singh, Artavazd Peleshyan, and Chulpan Khamatova, whose insights deepen our understanding of Parajanov's global impact. Their testimonies, woven with archival footage and clips from Parajanov's films, create a rich mosaic that celebrates his art while addressing its ongoing significance in the modern world.
Despite the film's length and its occasionally heavy or complex subject matter, ''I Will Revenge this World with Love' – S. Paradjanov,' is a victory. Jian's courageous staging, Kasper's breathtaking cinematography, and the evocative musical score work harmoniously to produce a film that is as visually astounding as it is emotionally resonant.
A brief note on the film's title: While the English title, ''I Will Revenge This World with Love' – S. Paradjanov,' carries a powerful sentiment, it feels clunky and awkward, and it doesn't flow naturally. Also, though the use of 'revenge' may be intentional or stylistic, in this context, the grammatically correct verb would have been 'avenge.'
In any case, my hope is that this cinematic gem will find its way into this year's Hamazkayin Pomegranate Film Festival lineup, offering the local Armenian community a chance to connect with its powerful themes.
Parajanov's legacy, amplified by Zara Jian's vision, reminds us of art's enduring power to inspire and provide hope. By celebrating Sergei Parajanov's centenary, Jian has created a film that transcends its medium, standing as a testament to the tireless spirit of creativity. It is a call to artists everywhere to embrace their craft with courage, love, and an unshakeable commitment to truth and bravery. ֎
This film review was originally published in Western Armenian in Torontohye's April 2025 issue. The note about the English title did not appear in the original version and was added to the translation.
