Arabesques on the Pirosmani Theme

(1924, Tbilisi, Georgia - 1990, Yerevan, Armenia) In 1942-43 Sergei Parajanov studied at Tbilisi Institute of Engineers of Transportation Means, in 1943-44 - in Vocal Department of Tbilisi Conservatory. At the same time he was taking dance lessons at the Dance Academy next to the Opera Theatre. In 1945, Parajanov transferred to Moscow State Conservatory named for P. Tchaikovsky (pedagogue Nina Dorliak). In 1951, he graduated from the Directing Department of VGIK (Igor Savchenko's master class, later Alexander Dovzhenko’s). Parajanov worked as a director at Dovzhenko Film Studio, Armenfilm and Kartuli Pilmi. In 1973, he was arrested and convicted on trumped-up charges. Spent four years in a strict regime camp. Has been released from jail in 1978. Official rehabilitation was not followed. After his release he lived in Tbilisi, worked for the Kartuli Pilmi. He is a People's Artist of Ukrainian and Armenia (1990).