sokurov

ALEXANDER SOKUROV’s POSTGRADUATE COURSE AT YEREVAN STATE THEATRE AND FILM INSTITUTE

In September 2024, the graduate program at the Yerevan State Institute of Theatre and Cinema will inaugurate a Master's course led by the acclaimed filmmaker Alexander Nikolaevich Sokurov, who has been named one of the 100 best directors in world cinema by the European Film Academy.

THIS IS A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF ARMENIAN ARTHOUSE CINEMA.

Graduates of the previous courses in Kabardino-Balkaria (2010–2015) and St. Petersburg (2019–2022) have consistently achieved recognition at leading international film festivals. Kantemir Balagov ("Closeness," 2017, Cannes Film Festival), Alexander Zolotukhin ("A Russian Youth," 2019, Berlinale), Kira Kovalenko ("Unclenching the Fists," 2021, Cannes Film Festival), Vladimir Bitokov ("Mama, I'm Home," 2021, Venice Film Festival), Sergey Kalvarskiy ("By the Waves," 2022, Pacific Meridian Film Festival), Oleg Khamokov ("Knots," 2023, Hainan Island International Film Festival), Ayaal Adamov ("Aykuo," 2023, Busan International Film Festival), and Malika Musaeva ("The Cage is Looking for a Bird," 2023, Berlinale).

Traditionally, in the A.N. Sokurov Workshop's curriculum, there is a strong focus on studying humanities such as art history, literary history, and world cinema history. Leading Armenian and international instructors will deliver lectures on these disciplines. Special attention will be given to Armenian history and culture. The program will particularly focus on exploring national character and identity in an international context, which should serve as a foundation for future films.

The workshop is dedicated to providing practical experience. From the very first days of training, graduate students will undertake filming assignments given by the master, and then they will begin creating their own student films. In addition to general lectures on directing, the program includes individual sessions between the master and each student.

Leading educators and filmmakers from Armenia and Russia have been invited to teach specialized disciplines.

Producer of the course: Veronika Melkonyan. The Union of Cinematographers of Armenia has provided partnership support, and some classes will be held at their venues.

"The artistic creator is made into an Artist by willpower and the quality of preparation and education. Talent is not needed for craft, but craft is indispensable for talent. One must be able to understand everything. In auteur cinema, the director is responsible for everything — they are the total author. A total author means total responsibility." — Alexander Sokurov

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Selection is conducted on a competitive basis, with enrollment based on the results of interviews and a creative examination.

The deadline for submitting applications has been extended until July 31st inclusive

  1. In-person admission round from 21.06.2024 to 25.07.2024

    2. Application package

    To be considered for admission to the master's program, you must submit the following documents:


    1. Application to the Rector.
    2. Highest degree earned: Submit a certified copy of your bachelor's degree, specialist's degree, master's degree, or equivalent qualification. For applicants with international education: A document verifying the equivalency of your degree to the required level may be necessary.
    3. Curriculum Vitae (CV).
    4. Three passport-sized photographs (3x4 cm).
    5. List of Publications (Optional): Include a list of your published or accepted-for-publication research papers or articles (if applicable).
    6. Proof of Identity: Submit a copy of your passport (or national ID card) along with any applicable residency documents.
    7. Military ID: Submit a copy of your military ID (if available).

    Alongside the application package, applicants must submit:

    1. An original literary work or a synopsis of a short film, not exceeding 3 pages in length.
    2. A creative autobiography;
    3. In written form, explain which type of film they would like to make: fiction or documentary, and justify their choice.
    4. 10 original photographs (documentary, reportage, staged, portrait) taken with a camera (photos taken with a phone will not be considered by the commission);
    5. A self-portrait photograph.
    6. The materials specified in paragraphs a, b, c should be provided with a literal (not literary) translation into Russian.

    Applications must be submitted from June 21, 2024, to July 25, 2024, to the email address of the YSTFI: alexandr.sokurov@ystfi.am.

    The results of the preliminary round will be announced on August 16, 2024.


  2. Remote admission round from 19.08.2024 to 28.08.2024

    3. On-site selection rounds will take place from August 19, 2024, to August 28, 2024. During this stage, candidates will undergo interviews with the course master and a creative examination.


    During the interview, applicants will be asked to respond to a series of questions on general culture, including national and world literature (excerpts from literary works), painting, music (excerpts from musical compositions), architecture (photographs of masterpieces and famous architectural landmarks), as well as questions from the history of national and world cinema. Language of interview: Armenian or Russian (with interpretation).


    The creative examination entails presenting an individual or group etude on a topic provided by the master.


    There are 15 slots available for enrollment.


    Tuition fees: 600,000 AMD for local students, 1,500,000 AMD annually for international students.


    Payment can be made in full or in installments: per semester or monthly.


    The first payment, amounting to 50% of the tuition for the first semester, must be made by September 10, 2024.


    Subsequently, if paying monthly, payments must be made within the first week of each month.


    Classes will commence on September 2, 2024.


    Instruction will be conducted in Russian or Armenian (with interpretation).


    Our address: 26 Amiryan Str., Yerevan, Armenia