Georgian filmmaker Otar Iosseliani, renowned for works like "Pastorale" and "Favourites of the Moon," has passed away at the age of 89. The announcement of his death came from his close friend, the photographer Yuri Rost.

Originally from the Soviet Union, Iosseliani spent the majority of his career in France, where he garnered a broader audience by creating films that openly critiqued the country he had departed.

His filmmaking style, marked by a detached and at times sarcastic tone, focused on depicting everyday life.

Expressing sorrow, Yuri Rost shared the news on his Telegram channel, saying, "We are grieving. Otar Iosseliani, the great film director, an amazing person, and my very close friend, has gone."

Georgia's Prime Minister, Irakli Garibashvili, conveyed his deep sadness at Iosseliani's passing, recognizing him as an "honored figure" in Georgian art.

Born in Tbilisi, Georgia's capital, Iosseliani debuted with his first full-length film, "Falling Leaves," in 1966, which earned two awards at the Cannes Film Festival.

He moved to France in 1982 after the success of his film Pastorale at the Berlin Film Festival. He had despaired of achieving success in his home country, which gave the film only a limited release.

Favorites of the Moon, made in 1984, won the Special Jury prize at Venice, and since then the festival has become a showcase for his films.

In 2011 he was given a lifetime achievement award at the Munich International Film Festival.

Congrate

May his soul rest in peace.