Maryna Ajaja: A Celebration of Life
September 17, 2022
Maryna was a powerful programming voice at SIFF for more than 30 years, focusing on Eastern and Central Europe, the Ex-Bloc as she liked to say. But more than that, she was passionate about the Festival, film & filmmakers, and making sure that stories that need to be told get seen. More Festival schedules have been changed after a Maryna suggestion than anyone will ever know… Films that she championed were a favorite with juries and audiences alike—winning many, many awards over the years. Maryna was a champion of new voices—especially women’s voices—and her dedication and passion will be dearly missed, a forever hole at SIFF.
During this program of remembrance we invite you to share stories, laughs, or how she had an effect on your Festival viewing schedule. Anyone is welcome to speak as we celebrate the amazing life of Maryna Ajaja.
The program will be followed by a screening of one of Maryna’s favorite films, The Color of Pomegranates, thanks to Janus Films. The whole event will be free and open to the public, as space permits.
If you have any questions or have a photo that you would like to send of Maryna, please email MarynaCelebration@siff.net
Event Details
Saturday, September 17, 2022
SIFF Cinema Egyptian
Doors @ 1:30pm | Program Begins @ 2:00pm
Film screening will follow remembrance program, approximately @ 3:00pm
View the slideshow presented at the event.
Film Details | The Color of Pomegranates
Sergei Parajanov’s empirical masterpiece loosely follows the life of Sayat Nova, “King of Song,” an Armenian poet and musician born in the 18th century, through vibrant sets and costumes and hypnotic shots. This colorful and avant-garde masterpiece provides an utterly transformative cinematic experience.
- Director: Sergei Parajanov
- Principal Cast: Sofiko Chiaureli, Melkon Alekian, Vilen Galustian, Giorgi Gegechkori
- Country: Armenia
- Year: 1969
- Running Time: 77 min.
- Screenplay: Sergey Parajanov
- Cinematographers: Suren Shakhbazian
- Editors: Maia Ponomarenko
- Music: Tigran Mansuryan
- Language: Armenian, Azerbaijani, Georgian
- Has Subtitles: Yes
- International Sales: World Cinema Foundation