Levon Mkrtchyan

Levon Mkrtchyan (Armenian: Լևոն Մկրտչյան; Russian: Левон Гайкович Мкртчян; born February 25, 1953, in Leninakan (now Gyumri), is an Armenian director known for his documentaries, "Davit Anhaght," "Charentz: Known and Unknown Sides", "Jean Garzu", "Mesrop Mashtots", "My Komitas", "And There Was Light", "The Manuscript of Independence" which was dedicated to the 10th anniversary of independence of Armenia (1991–2001), and many more. He is an award winning director who has received the highest award of the Soviet Union, the Lenin award (the Armenian Academy Award). He has earned numerous awards for his documentaries that have kept the Armenian spirit alive. His last prestigious award during the Golden Eagle film festival he has received for his film "The Manuscript of Independence," in the Best Documentary category. He studied in the Directing Department of the Yerevan Fine Arts and Theater Institute. In 1978, he released his debut short film The Muses. In 1984, he graduated from the Directing Department of VGIK in Moscow. Since 1978, he has shot thirty-three documentaries. He filmed and has an incredible archive about well known Armenians, including the only film footage on Hovhannes Shiraz, incredible footage on Charles Aznavour visiting Armenia after the 1988 earthquake, the funeral of William Saroyan (1908–1981). He has also been great friends and film partners with the legendary director Sergei Parajanov (1924–1990) and has a rare footage of him, including the last days of his life. Levon Mkrtchyan continues his contribution to the Armenian people by making more documentaries about the well known Armenians. “Hayk” Armenian Studios of Motion Pictures is currently working on a documentary about William Saroyan, dedicated to the renowned Armenian American writer’s 100th Anniversary. UNESCO has declared 2008 the year of honoring the anniversary of the legendary writer, William Saroyan. The director of the film is Levon Mkrtchyan, an accomplished and famous Armenian film director who is known for his biographical documentaries about people who have had a great impact in the history of the Armenian nation (Charles Aznavour-Armenia 1989, Hovhannes Shiraz, Jansem, Matyan Ankakhutyan). The filming will take place in the United States where William Saroyan was born and has lived most of his life. Additional filming will take place in France, Turkey, Russia and Armenia. Mr. Mkrtchyan already has an original footage from William Saroyan’s funeral ceremony which has taken place in Armenia. The narration of the film is going to be offered to Al Pacino. “Hayk” Armenian Studios of Motion Pictures will collaborate with producers in the United States, to bring this exceptional project to life.