Hamo Beknazaryan (1892-1965) is a prominent Armenian film director, screenwriter, the founder of the Armenian cinema and a film studio “Hayfilm” (“Armenfilm”), People’s Artist of the Soviet Armenia (1935).

 

In 1925 Beknazaryan moved to Armenia and founded the film studio “Hayfilm” which, starting from 1966, carries his name. In 1925 Beknazaryan shot the first Armenian feature film “Namus” (“Honor”). He scripted and directed the first Armenian comedy “Shor and Shorshor” as well as the first historical films, which are the best examples of the Armenian silent film era.

 

Combining the characteristic features of Armenian artistic school and literature, Beknazaryan introduced a national style to the Armenian cinema. He created films about the struggle of the Armenians for national liberation in the 18-19 centuries, the Armenia’s civil strife. “Pepo”, the first Armenian sound film, produced by Beknazaryan is indeed the achievement of the national cinema.

 

Beknazaryan’s unique artistry has greatly contributed to the development of the Armenian cinema, and the epic style and originality of the films earned him an exclusive place in the history of national filmmaking.