Tigran Arakelyan’s animated film ‘Zako’ to participate in Annecy Festival

The animated feature film “Zako” by Tigran Arakelyan was selected to participate in the 4th “Residency” program of the Annecy International Film Festival, the National Cinema Center of Armenia reported.

“Zako” is based on the graphic novel of the same name by the artist Tigran Mangasaryan, who depicted the life of his father, the artist Sargis Mangasaryan. The events that the Armenian artist went through are filled with tragedy. Taken as a prisoner to the concentration camp during World War II, he manages to survive thanks to his artistic talent by painting his tormentors and their wives.

After returning to his homeland in 1956, Zako had the opportunity to visit the Picasso exhibition. Standing in front of the master’s pinnacle work, Guernica, Zako sees all the hell he went through. He understands that after proving himself as an artist, he still remained “unripe” because of the totalitarian system.

The film is directed by Tigran Arakelyan, the producer is Susanna Khachatryan, the screenwriter is Edgar Baghdasaryan, and the designer is Tigran Mangasaryan.