Georgia: David Rondeli, the visionary who brought colour to Georgian cinema, was born 120 years ago on April 11. His pioneering work in creating the first colour film in Georgian cinema is a testament to his innovative spirit.
The Georgian Ministry of Culture and Sports honours David Rondeli’s memory and great merit to Georgian culture.
David Tsagareishvili (Rondeli) was born on April 11, 1904, in kutaisi. He wrote poems, narratives, and critical letters and worked in editorial offices for magazines and newspapers. From 1927 to 1928, he was the editor of the magazine Proletarian Literature.
In 1928, he started his work as director of the literary section of “Skinmeretsvi”; from 1929, he worked as an assistant to the director, and from 1930 – as a director. In 1953-1954, he was the chief editor of the College of the Ministry of Cinematography of Georgia and a teacher at the film school and Tbilisi Theater Institute near Georgian “Vhkinmretsvi”.
Shot films: “Ugubziara” (1930), “Arshaula” (1935), “Kolkheti Lanterns” (1941).
In 1937, David Rondeli created the movie masterpiece “Lost Paradise” (according to the motives of David Kldiashvili’s works)—a satirical comedy that entered the Golden Fund of Georgian cinema, whose poetry was defined by the presence of self-awareness (painter David Kakabadze).
“Jurghai Lighthouse” was filmed in 1944. Together with Dolidze; 1950 – Stalin prize). David Rondelia, the director of the first Georgian colour film, “Beard Invaders” (1952).
Shot films that are favourites for the audience include “Shadow on the Road” (1956), “Mamluk” (according to the novel of the same name by Unarmed, 1958), “On the Shores of Enguri” (1961), “Pier—Police Officer” (1965), “My Friend Nodar” (1967), “Zoya Rukhadze” (1971), “Air Bridge” (1971), and others.
He also shot documentaries: “Abkhazia” (1930), “Second Gathering” (1932), “In Memory of Jose Dias” (1942), and “Soviet Georgia” (1950).
David Rondeli’s contributions to Georgian art and culture were not only recognized but also celebrated.
He was honoured as a Cavalier of the Order of Honor in 1944, a Meritorious Achiever of Georgian Art in 1945, and the People’s Artist of Georgia in 1961.
