Grand Master of Georgian Cinema, Author of Masterpieces, Genius Georgian Filmmaker, Actor, Rustaveli Prize Laureate, and the beholder of the other numerous awards – Giorgi Shengelaia has died on February 17, at the age of 82.

One word that is enough to describe George Shengelaia’s work and personality – the “rebel” …  Colleagues and film historians consider him a symbol of the 60’s.

Giorgi Shengelaia was born on May 11, 1937 in the family of the greatest Georgian film director Nikoloz Shengelaia and the number one star of Georgian cinema – Nato Vachnadze. His brother is also a great Georgian film director – Eldar Shengelaia. Giorgi Shengelaia graduated from Moscow State Institute of Cinematography in 1961.

Since 1961 he has been working as a film director at Georgian Film Studio.

In 1974, George Shengelaia was awarded the Golden Hugo for his film “Pirosmani” at the Chicago International Film Festival. In 1986, he received the Silver Bear for the Best Director at the 36th Berlin Film Festival, for the film – “Akhalgazrda Kompozitoris Mogzauroba” (The Journey of a Young Composer)

Giorgi Shengelaia is the author of genius films that are recognized as a classic of Georgian cinema and they will never leave the screens:

1962 – “Alaverdoba”;

1965 – “Djildo”;

1966 – “Matsi Khvitia”;

1969 – “Pirosmani”;

1973 – “Veris Ubnis Melodiebi”;

1976 – “Kvishani Darchebian”;

1980 – “Sikvaruli Kvelas Unda” ;

1984 – “Akhalgazrda Kompozitoris Mogzauroba”;

1987 – “Khareba and Gogia”;

1996 – “Orfeosis Sikvdili”;

2000 – “Sikvaruli Venakhshi”;

2005 – “Midioda Matarebeli”

 

Giorgi Shengelaia’s film “Pirosmani”, which is recognized as a masterpiece by world cinematographers, has “kept alive” the work of unique Georgian artist Avto Varazi. Giorgi Shengelaia filmed the first Georgian Western – “Mats Khvitia”, the first Georgian musical – “Veris Ubnis Melodiebi” and the adventure film “Khareba and Gogia”.

As an actor, Mr. Giorgi has made unforgettable appearances in films such as “Chveni Ezo”, “Otaraant “Kvrivi, “Rats Ginaxavs, Vegar Naxav,” and more.

“… today our people, our youth are offered ‘recognizable faces’, I do not know what this term means, who are the people our youth are trying to imitate and live a life like… Because of this, I have been persistent in wanting to make some documentary images of the people whom Georgians call by names … ” Said Mr. Giorgi  and even shot some amazing, completely original, very interesting documentaries, which can be considered as a great insight into the Georgian culture for the younger generation: “Haji Murat”; “Ekvtime”; “Ilia”; “Vazha Pshavela”.

The grateful audience appreciates Giorgi Shengelaia and his work, and we fully agree: “George Shengelaia’s work is the basis which empowers us to still call out nation a Cultural Nation!…