# Otar Iosseliani

> Georgian film director (1934-2023)

**Wikidata**: [Q321365](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q321365)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Otar_Iosseliani)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/otar-iosseliani

## Summary
Otar Iosseliani was a Georgian film director (1934–2023) known for his contributions to cinema, including directing films like *Farewell, Home Sweet Home* (1999) and *Favorites of the Moon* (1984). He was recognized for his work in both Georgian and international film circles, earning awards such as the Louis Delluc Prize and the Nika Lifetime Achievement Award.

## Biography
- Born: 1934
- Nationality: Georgian
- Education:
  - Gerasimov Institute of Cinematography (Moscow, Russia)
  - Tbilisi State Conservatoire (Georgia)
  - Top Courses for Scriptwriters and Film Directors (Moscow, Russia)
- Known for: Directing feature films and documentaries, blending Georgian and Soviet cinematic traditions with international influences.
- Employer(s): Gerasimov Institute of Cinematography, Tbilisi State Conservatoire, Top Courses for Scriptwriters and Film Directors
- Field(s): Film direction, cinematography, pedagogy

## Contributions
- Directed *Farewell, Home Sweet Home* (1999), a film that explored themes of nostalgia and displacement.
- Directed *Favorites of the Moon* (1984), a French drama that received critical acclaim.
- Directed *There Once Was a Singing Blackbird* (1970), a notable work in Georgian cinema.
- Directed *And Then There Was Light* (1989), contributing to the Soviet film industry.
- Directed *Monday Morning* (2002), a later film that continued his exploration of human emotions.
- Directed *La Chasse aux papillons* (1992), a French-language film that further established his international presence.

## FAQs
- **What was Otar Iosseliani's primary field of work?**
  Otar Iosseliani was primarily a film director, known for his work in both Georgian and international cinema.

- **Which institutions did Otar Iosseliani attend for education?**
  He studied at the Gerasimov Institute of Cinematography in Moscow, the Tbilisi State Conservatoire, and the Top Courses for Scriptwriters and Film Directors in Moscow.

- **What awards did Otar Iosseliani receive?**
  He won the Louis Delluc Prize, the People's Artist of the Georgian SSR, the European Film Academy Critics Award, the Knight of the Legion of Honour, and the Nika Lifetime Achievement Award.

- **What are some of Otar Iosseliani's notable films?**
  Notable films include *Farewell, Home Sweet Home* (1999), *Favorites of the Moon* (1984), *There Once Was a Singing Blackbird* (1970), *And Then There Was Light* (1989), *Monday Morning* (2002), and *La Chasse aux papillons* (1992).

## Why They Matter
Otar Iosseliani's work bridged Georgian and international cinema, contributing to the preservation and evolution of filmmaking traditions. His films, such as *Farewell, Home Sweet Home*, explored universal themes of nostalgia and displacement, resonating with audiences worldwide. His recognition through awards like the Louis Delluc Prize and the Nika Lifetime Achievement Award underscores his influence on cinema. His legacy continues to inspire filmmakers in Georgia and beyond, ensuring his place in cinematic history.

## Notable For
- First recipient of the Nika Lifetime Achievement Award (1988).
- Recipient of the Louis Delluc Prize (1937–), honoring his contributions to French cinema.
- Knight of the Legion of Honour, recognizing his international impact.
- People's Artist of the Georgian SSR, the highest Soviet art honor bestowed upon him.
- European Film Academy Critics Award, acknowledging his critical acclaim.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Otar Iosseliani was born in 1934. He pursued his education at the Gerasimov Institute of Cinematography in Moscow, the Tbilisi State Conservatoire, and the Top Courses for Scriptwriters and Film Directors in Moscow. These institutions provided him with a strong foundation in filmmaking and cinematography.

### Career and Directing
Iosseliani's career spanned several decades, during which he directed numerous films that blended Georgian and Soviet cinematic traditions with international influences. His work included both feature films and documentaries, showcasing his versatility as a filmmaker.

### Notable Films
- *There Once Was a Singing Blackbird* (1970) marked an early milestone in his career.
- *Favorites of the Moon* (1984) was a French drama that received critical acclaim, earning him the Louis Delluc Prize.
- *And Then There Was Light* (1989) further established his reputation in the Soviet film industry.
- *La Chasse aux papillons* (1992) was a French-language film that expanded his international presence.
- *Farewell, Home Sweet Home* (1999) explored themes of nostalgia and displacement, resonating with audiences worldwide.
- *Monday Morning* (2002) was a later film that continued his exploration of human emotions.

### Awards and Recognition
Iosseliani's contributions were recognized through numerous awards, including the Louis Delluc Prize, the People's Artist of the Georgian SSR, the European Film Academy Critics Award, the Knight of the Legion of Honour, and the Nika Lifetime Achievement Award. These honors reflected his significant impact on cinema.

### Legacy
Otar Iosseliani's legacy endures through his films, which continue to influence Georgian and international cinema. His work bridges cultural traditions and universal themes, ensuring his place in cinematic history. His influence extends to film education, having taught at institutions like the Gerasimov Institute of Cinematography and the Tbilisi State Conservatoire.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. Who's Who in France
3. Catalog of the German National Library
4. Fichier des personnes décédées mirror
5. [Le cinéaste géorgien Otar Iosseliani, chantre des plaisirs simples, est mort. Le Monde](https://www.lemonde.fr/disparitions/article/2023/12/17/le-cineaste-georgien-otar-iosseliani-chantre-des-plaisirs-simples-est-mort_6206317_3382.html)
6. BnF authorities
7. [Chant d'hiver, ou le goût de l'irrévérence. Cineuropa](https://cineuropa.org/fr/newsdetail/297030/)
8. datos.bne.es
9. Biographical Dictionary of Georgia
10. Rotten Tomatoes
11. [The Fine Art Archive](https://cs.isabart.org/person/19192)
12. [Source](https://www.europeanfilmacademy.org/European-Film-Awards-Winners-1999.74.0.html)
13. [L'Internaute](https://www.linternaute.com/actualite/magazine/1035940-comment-obtenir-la-legion-d-honneur/1035957-legion-d-honneur-2006)
14. International Standard Name Identifier
15. filmportal.de
16. Virtual International Authority File
17. CiNii Research
18. SNAC
19. Proleksis Encyclopedia
20. Munzinger Personen
21. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
22. [Source](https://www.europeanfilmacademy.org/1993.91.0.html)
23. [BnF authorities](http://data.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/cb135321851)
24. CONOR.SI
25. The Fine Art Archive
26. Cinemathèque québécoise Linked Open Data