- Otar Iosseliani, Georgian filmmaker, dies
- Known for critical, sardonic films
- Career spans Soviet Union, France
Otar Iosseliani, the renowned Georgian filmmaker known for works such as “Pastorale” and “Favourites of the Moon,” has passed away at the age of 89.
His passing was reported by Yuri Rost, a photographer and acquaintance.
Iosseliani, born in the Soviet Union, spent most of his career in France, where he broadened his audience with films more overtly critical of his former country.
Approaching mundane existence with an objective and occasionally caustic demeanour, he crafted films that resonated with audiences.
“We are in mourning,” Rost wrote on his Telegram channel. “Otar Iosseliani, the great film director, an incredible person, and my very close friend, has passed away.”
Irakli Garibashvili, the Prime Minister of Georgia, expressed profound sorrow over Iosseliani’s passing, describing him as an “honoured figure” in Georgian art.
Born in Tbilisi, Georgia’s capital, Iosseliani directed his debut feature, “Falling Leaves,” in 1966, which received two awards at the Cannes Film Festival.
After the success of his film “Pastorale” at the Berlin Film Festival in 1982, he relocated to France. Due to his despondency regarding success in his native nation, the film had limited distribution.
The film “Favourites of the Moon” in 1984 received the Venice Special Jury Prize, marking a pivotal moment in Iosseliani’s career.
Subsequently, the Venice Film Festival became a platform for showcasing his later works.
In 2011, he received a lifetime achievement award at the Munich International Film Festival.
