AZG - HENRY VERNAU PASSED AWAY HENRY VERNAU PASSED AWAY Famous French-Armenian film director Henry Vernau passed away in one of the hospitals of Paris January 10. He is famous especially for his film ‘Mother’ which is dedicated to the life of Armenian refugees who escaped Armenian Genocide of 1915. Henry Vernau was born in Rodostom, Turkey in 1920. His real name is Ashot Malakian. Settled in France in 1930. Graduated form Equan-Provence lycee, worked as a reporter, published a number of articles dedicated to Armenian Genocide. In 1948 entered the world of cinema. At the beginning he directed a number of short comedy movies. His first feature movie was ‘Table for dead’ which brought him fame. After this movie he started shooting movies in cooperation with Hollywood. He directed more than 60 movies with such famous French artists starring as Jean Paul Belmondo, Allen Delon and Jean Gaben. His famous movies are ‘Forbidden fruit’, ‘Public enemy #1’, ‘Maxim’, ‘President’, as well as ‘Mother’ with Omar Shariff, Serzh Avedikian and other artists starring. Henry Vernau was awarded Legion of Honor, and was elected member of French Art Academy last year. French president Jacques Chirac sent his condolences to the family of the notable film director late on January 10. Back to Headlines     Back to OIA Home