192 - Hamo Beknazaryan - 100 dram 2017

Hamo Beknazaryan (1892-1965) is a prominent Armenian film director, screenwriter, the founder of the Armenian cinema, People’s Artist of the Soviet Armenia (1935).
In 1925 Beknazaryan founded the film studio “Hayfilm” (“Armenfilm”) which, starting from 1966, carries his name. In 1925 Beknazaryan shot the first Armenian feature film “Namus” (“Honor”). He scripted and directed the first Armenian comedy “Shor and Shorshor” as well as the first historical films, which are the best examples of the Armenian silent film era.
Combining the characteristic features of Armenian artistic school and literature, Beknazaryan introduced a national style to the Armenian cinema. He created films about the struggle of the Armenians for national liberation in the 18-19 centuries, the Armenia’s civil strife. “Pepo”, the first Armenian sound film, produced by Beknazaryan is indeed the achievement of the national cinema.
Beknazaryan’s unique artistry has greatly contributed to the development of the Armenian cinema, and the epic style and originality of the films earned him an exclusive place in the history of national filmmaking.

Obverse: a fragment of the poster of Hamo Beknazaryan’s “Pepo” film and a videotape.
Reverse: the portrait of Hamo Beknazaryan and a camera.

Designed by Susanna Petrosyan.
Minted in the Lithuanian Mint.

Denomination: 100 dram
Metal: Silver 925
Weight: 28.28g
Diameter: 28x40mm
Mintage: 500 pcs.
Edge: Plain
Strike quality: Proof

Hamo Beknazaryan (1892-1965) is a prominent Armenian film director, screenwriter, the founder of the Armenian cinema, People’s Artist of the Soviet Armenia (1935).
In 1925 Beknazaryan founded the film studio “Hayfilm” (“Armenfilm”) which, starting from 1966, carries his name. In 1925 Beknazaryan shot the first Armenian feature film “Namus” (“Honor”). He scripted and directed the first Armenian comedy “Shor and Shorshor” as well as the first historical films, which are the best examples of the Armenian silent film era. Combining the characteristic features of Armenian artistic school and literature, Beknazaryan introduced a national style to the Armenian cinema. He created films about the struggle of the Armenians for national liberation in the 18-19 centuries, the Armenia’s civil strife. “Pepo”, the first Armenian sound film, produced by Beknazaryan is indeed the achievement of the national cinema. Beknazaryan’s unique artistry has greatly contributed to the development of the Armenian cinema, and the epic style and originality of the films earned him an exclusive place in the history of national filmmaking.