Hamo Beknazaryan (Bek-Nazarov) (May 19 (31), 1892, Yerevan – April 27, 1965 Moscow), Armenian film-director and actor. He was people’s artist of USSR (1935). Hamo Beknazaryan was the founder of the Armenian cinematography. He contributed to the formation and development of Georgian and Azerbaijani cinematography. He graduated from the Moscow Commercial Institute (1928). Beknazaryan acted in Russian movies (1915-1919). From 1921 he became the head of the film section of People's Commissariat for Education in Georgia, later a director of Georgian State Film Industry. He acted in “At the Pillar of Shame” (1923), “Natela” (1925), etc.  From 1925 Beknazaryan worked in Yerevan. His “Namus” (1925) became the base for the foundation of the national cinematography and realistic movement of the Armenian cinema.

His “Shor and Shorshor” (1926), “Khaspush” (1927) and other films are the best examples of silent films. He shot “Igdenbu” (1930, Nanai film), “Man with Medal” (1931, Chechen film) and other in Vostok-kino film studio (he was one of the founders of this film studio).  He directed the first Armenian sound film “Pepo” (1935). Beknazaryan directed such films as “Zangezur” (1938, State prize of USSR in 1941), “Davit Bek” (1944), “Sabuhi” (1941, Baku film studio), “Nasredin in Khojent” (1959, Tajik studio, with E. Karamyan), etc.  Due to his epic and unique national films Beknazaryan has his unique place in the history of Armenian cinematography.  In 1966 Armenfilm was named after Hamo Beknazaryan.

 

Source- Source - «Who is who. The Armenians» encyclopedia, volume 1, chief editor Hovh. Ayvazyan, Yerevan, 2007  (in Armenian).

 
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