It is truly remarkable that the 6th edition of the Habitat International Film Festival featured a retrospective of Sergei Parajanov’s masterpieces, supported by the Istituto Italiano di Cultura di New Delhi under the leadership and vision of Director Andrea Anastasio.
A particularly significant moment was the screening of Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors (Tini Zabutykh Predkiv, 1965) on March 28 at Stein Auditorium, India Habitat Centre. This masterpiece was restored by The Film Foundation’s World Cinema Project and Fondazione Cineteca di Bologna, in association with Dovzhenko Film Studio and in collaboration with the Oleksandr Dovzhenko National Centre Довженко-Центр : Dovzhenko Centre (Ukraine). Funding provided by the Hobson/Lucas Family Foundation.
Before the screening, renowned Ukrainian-American pianist and ethnomusicologist Dr. Taras Filenko gave a performance-introduction, paying tribute to the film’s music, composed by Myroslav Skoryk (1938–2020).
In Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors (1965), Sergei Parajanov’s iconic film, Myroslav Skoryk’s music plays a crucial role in shaping the emotional depth and atmosphere of the movie. His compositions, including “Kolomyika” and “Burlesque”, are integral to the film’s portrayal of Ukrainian culture, with the music enhancing the film’s vivid imagery and emotional intensity.
We are also deeply grateful that another legendary film by Parajanov, The Colour of Pomegranates (1969), was showcased as part of the retrospective.
Additionally, the festival featured The Lilac Wind of Parajanov (2023), a documentary that offers a unique insight into the life and artistic vision of this cinematic genius.
Sergei Parajanov is a shared legacy of Ukraine, Armenia, and Georgia, embodying the rich cultural heritage of all three nations.
These screenings are a testament to Parajanov’s enduring legacy and his unparalleled contribution to world cinema.
We express our sincere gratitude to Andrea Anastasio and Olena Honcharuk, Acting DG of the Oleksandr Dovzhenko National Centre, the Ukrainian state film archive as well as all those involved to make this programme a reality.