Parajanov-Vartanov Institute champions the legacy of Parajanov & Vartanov who overcame persecution and won the admiration of cinema's greatest artists. Their work as a director and a cinematographer, respectively, was voted among the most important films and documentaries of all time by the BFI, and screened at preeminent festivals. The institute's founder is their disciple, UCLA alum and DOC LA programer Martiros Vartanov — Boy with a Movie Camera.
"The Color of Pomegranates by Parajanov, in my opinion one of the best contemporary directors, astonishes with its perfection of beauty."
"In the temple of cinema, there are images, light and reality. Parajanov was the master of that temple."
"Vartanov's film Parajanov: The Last Spring was created under prohibitive conditions and yet exemplifies the power of art over any limitations."
"We have to ensure that the work of seminal artists like Vartanov is preserved...his films...made under the harshest conditions...are crucial to the important heritage of world cinema."
Parajanov-Vartanov Institute
