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Yury IlienkoUkrainian cinematographer, director, screenwriter
Date of Birth: 09.05.1936
Country:  Ukraine |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Cinematography Career
- Directorial Breakthrough
- Acting and Artistic Contributions
- Political Activism
- Family and Personal Life
- Directorial Filmography
- Historical and Epic Films
Early Life and Education
Yuriy Illienko, a renowned Ukrainian cinematographer, director, and screenwriter, was born amidst the turmoil of war. He spent his childhood years in evacuation in Siberia, his father fighting on the frontlines. In 1960, Illienko graduated from the prestigious Gerasimov Institute of Cinematography (VGIK) in Moscow, where he studied under renowned masters Boris Volchek and Sergei Urusevsky.
Cinematography Career
Illienko's debut as a cinematographer came in Yakov Segel's 1960 film "Farewell, Pigeons." He subsequently worked at the Yalta Film Studio and from 1963 onwards at the Dovzhenko Film Studio in Kyiv. International recognition came with his groundbreaking cinematography in Sergei Parajanov's 1964 film "Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors," which won accolades worldwide.
Directorial Breakthrough
Illienko's directorial efforts belong to the school of Ukrainian poetic cinema, alongside masters like Leonid Osyka. His films, marked by their lyrical and symbolic qualities, garnered awards at prestigious international film festivals.
Acting and Artistic Contributions
Beyond his work as a cinematographer and director, Illienko occasionally appeared as an actor in films. He also showcased his artistic talents as a painter, exhibiting his works in various exhibitions.
Political Activism
Illienko holds strong pro-Ukrainian political views and is a member of the Svoboda party.
Family and Personal Life
Illienko's brothers, Vadym and Mykhailo, are also accomplished filmmakers, working as a cinematographer and director, respectively. He has a son born in 1962.
Directorial Filmography
Spring for the Thirsty (1965)The Eve of St. John (1968)
White Bird with Black Markings (1971)
Dream and Live (1974)
Forest Song. Mavka (1981)
The Legend of Princess Olga (1983)
Straw Bells (1987)
Swan Lake. The Zone (1990)
Later Career
In 1986, Illienko became head of the Department of Film Directing and Screenwriting at the Karpenko-Kary Kyiv Institute of Theatrical Arts, where he served as a professor.
Historical and Epic Films
Partitions of Christ. D Major (1996)Prayer for Hetman Mazepa (2002)
