Cultural institutions, officials send condolences after acclaimed film director Otar Iosseliani dies at 89

Cultural institutions, art professionals and officials from across Georgia on Sunday sent their condolences to the family and colleagues of acclaimed Georgian film director Otar Iosseliani, who died at the age of 89.

The Georgian Ministry of Culture paid tribute to Iosseliani’s contribution to Georgian culture and expressed deep sorrow over his death, noting the late filmmaker had created “memorable” feature films and documentaries.

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili said he was “deeply saddened” by the death of “the greatest film director, the honoured figure of Georgian art and People’s Artist”, highlighting his unique style “which is characteristic only of great directors” and adding his films “have brought many international recognitions” to Georgia.

Iosseliani worked at the Georgian Film Studio in different positions between 1958 and 1961, after which he became director and screenwriter for the studio until he decided to continue his career in France in the 1980s.

His work includes short films, such as Watercolour and April, and feature films - Once Upon a Time There Was a Singing Blackbird, Pastorale, Falling Leaves, Favourites of the Moon and others, as well as documentary films - Georgian Ancient Songs and Cast Iron.

In addition to several titles and awards, including the People’s Artist of Georgia, the main prize of the Berlin Academy, the Best Director award at the Venice International Film Festival, Shota Rustaveli state prize and Gold Medal of the French Academy, Iosseliani was also given the honorary award - Prometheus at Tbilisi International Film Festival in 2022.