Vartanov, a filmmaker, faced a significant setback in his career due to his debut film, The Color of Land, released in 1969. This film featured portrayals of his dissident friends, Paradjanov, who would later be imprisoned in 1974, and Minas, who tragically met his demise in 1975.
As a result of this film, Vartanov found himself blacklisted, and his artistic freedom was severely restricted. However, 20 years later, his freedom was finally restored, and he responded by creating two new films that showcased his unique style and talent.
The first of these films was Minas: A Requiem, released in 1989. This film served as a tribute to his friend Minas, who had been brutally assassinated. The film was met with critical acclaim and admiration from some of the most renowned figures in the film industry.
Vartanov's masterpiece, Parajanov: The Last Spring, was released in 1992. This film was a testament to his artistic growth and development as a filmmaker. It was praised by luminaries such as Francis Ford Coppola and Martin Scorsese, who recognized Vartanov's exceptional talent and contributions to the world of cinema.
