 |
Michael KobahidzeGeorgian screenwriter, film director, actor and composer.
Date of Birth: 05.04.1939
Country:  Georgia |
Content:
- Miheil Kobakhidze: A Georgian Auteur in Cinema and Music
- Early Filmmaking Career
- International Recognition
- Artistic Odyssey
Miheil Kobakhidze: A Georgian Auteur in Cinema and Music
Early Life and EducationMiheil Kobakhidze, a renowned Georgian screenwriter, director, actor, and composer, was born in Tbilisi in 1939. His journey into the world of cinema began at the prestigious Gerasimov Institute of Cinematography (VGIK) in Moscow, where he enrolled in both the acting and directing faculties in 1959. Under the tutelage of legendary filmmakers Sergei Gerasimov and Tamara Makarova, Kobakhidze honed his craft and graduated in 1965.
Early Filmmaking Career
Even during his time as a student, Kobakhidze began his filmmaking endeavors. His collaboration with the "Gruzia-Film" studio commenced in 1961, where he specialized in short films and animations. One of his notable works, "Zont (The Umbrella)," garnered recognition at the Krakow Film Festival for documentary and short films. Despite his success, Kobakhidze faced challenges in pursuing his filmmaking aspirations due to his style being deemed formalistic.
International Recognition
Despite the limited opportunities in Georgia, Kobakhidze's talent found expression in collaborations with French filmmakers. In the early 21st century, he contributed to the production of "En chemin (On the Road)" as a screenwriter and director and appeared as an actor in "Les joues rouges (Rosy Cheeks)." His screenplay, "Variations on Love," narrowly missed winning the top prize in a screenplay competition.
Artistic Odyssey
Kobakhidze's attempts to translate his screenplay "Comme un nuage (Like a Cloud)" into a feature film were thwarted due to organizational restructuring at Canal+ and ARTE. Nonetheless, his artistic journey continued with his relocation to Paris in 1996. Throughout his career, Kobakhidze's works have showcased his unconventional approach, poetic sensibilities, and a deep understanding of human nature.
