Dimitri Kipiani
Actor
About Dimitri Kipiani
Dimitri Kipiani was a Georgian actor who appeared in the Soviet silent film 'The House on the Volcano' in 1928. This film, also known by its Georgian title 'Mtsvretis khe', was directed by Mikheil Chiaureli and was one of the significant productions of early Georgian cinema. Kipiani's career appears to have been extremely brief, with this single film credit representing his entire known filmography. The film itself was a drama that reflected the social and political themes common in Soviet cinema of the late 1920s. Very little is documented about Kipiani's life beyond this one role, suggesting he may have been a stage actor who transitioned briefly to film or perhaps a non-professional cast for this specific production. His disappearance from the film record after 1928 indicates he either left the film industry, returned to other pursuits, or his career was cut short by the historical circumstances of the time. The lack of additional information about him is not uncommon for actors from this era and region, especially those who had minor roles or brief careers in the rapidly changing landscape of early Soviet cinema.
The Craft
Milestones
- Starred in the silent film 'The House on the Volcano' (1928)
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Dimitri Kipiani's cultural impact is primarily through his participation in 'The House on the Volcano,' a film that represents an important piece of Georgian and Soviet cinematic history from the silent era. While his individual contribution was limited to a single film, the movie itself was part of the burgeoning national cinema movement within the Soviet Union during the 1920s. The film's existence provides modern scholars and film enthusiasts with a glimpse into the artistic and social concerns of Georgian society during this period. Kipiani, as part of the cast, contributed to the preservation of Georgian cultural identity through the medium of cinema at a time when national expressions were often subsumed under the broader Soviet cultural umbrella.
Lasting Legacy
Dimitri Kipiani's legacy is that of a representative figure from the early days of Georgian cinema, one of the many actors whose names survive primarily through film credits rather than extensive biographical records. His connection to 'The House on the Volcano' ensures his name is remembered in film history databases and scholarly works about silent cinema in the Caucasus region. While he did not achieve lasting fame or influence future generations of actors directly, his work contributes to the rich tapestry of international silent film history. The preservation of his film allows modern audiences to witness the acting styles and production values of Georgian cinema from the late 1920s, with Kipiani serving as a direct link to that artistic moment.
Who They Inspired
Given the brevity of Dimitri Kipiani's known film career, there is no documented evidence of him influencing other actors or directors. His influence is therefore limited to his performance within 'The House on the Volcano,' which may have served as an example for other aspiring actors in Georgia at the time, though this cannot be verified. His primary influence is historical, as part of the cast that helped establish the foundations of Georgian film artistry during the silent era.
Off Screen
Due to the extremely limited documentation of Dimitri Kipiani's career, almost no information is available about his personal life, family, or background outside of his single film appearance in 1928.
Did You Know?
- Dimitri Kipiani's entire known filmography consists of just one film from 1928.
- His only film, 'The House on the Volcano,' was directed by Mikheil Chiaureli, who would later become one of Stalin's favorite filmmakers.
- The film was produced by Goskinprom of Georgia, the state-controlled film studio in the Georgian Soviet Socialist Republic.
- Very little biographical information about Kipiani survives, which is common for supporting actors from early Soviet cinema.
- His surname, Kipiani, is a noble family name from Georgia, suggesting he may have come from aristocratic lineage.
- The film he appeared in is considered a significant work in the canon of early Georgian silent cinema.
- No records exist of Kipiani transitioning to sound films when they became popular in the late 1920s and early 1930s.
- His disappearance from film records after 1928 coincides with major political and cultural shifts in the Soviet Union.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Dimitri Kipiani?
Dimitri Kipiani was a Georgian actor from the silent film era who is known for appearing in a single film, 'The House on the Volcano' in 1928. His career appears to have been extremely brief, with no other film credits documented. He represents one of the many lesser-known actors from early Soviet cinema whose contributions are preserved primarily through their film work rather than extensive biographical records.
What films is Dimitri Kipiani best known for?
Dimitri Kipiani is known exclusively for his role in the 1928 silent film 'The House on the Volcano' (Georgian: 'Mtsvretis khe'). This drama, directed by Mikheil Chiaureli, is his only documented film appearance and remains his sole claim to fame in cinema history.
When was Dimitri Kipiani born and when did he die?
Unfortunately, the birth and death dates of Dimitri Kipiani are not documented in available historical records. Like many actors from early Soviet cinema who had brief careers or minor roles, this biographical information has been lost to time, leaving only his film credit as evidence of his existence.
What awards did Dimitri Kipiani win?
There are no records of Dimitri Kipiani receiving any awards or nominations for his work. Given his brief film career consisting of a single silent film in 1928, and the limited recognition typically given to supporting actors of that era, it is unlikely he received formal recognition during his lifetime.
What was Dimitri Kipiani's acting style?
While specific details about Dimitri Kipiani's acting style are not documented in available sources, as an actor in Soviet silent cinema of the late 1920s, he likely employed the exaggerated gestures and facial expressions typical of the period. Silent film acting required performers to convey emotion and narrative through physical means rather than dialogue, a style that was transitioning toward more naturalism by the time his film was made.
Why is so little information available about Dimitri Kipiani?
The scarcity of information about Dimitri Kipiani is common for actors from early Soviet cinema, especially those with brief careers or minor roles. Many historical records were lost during the political upheavals of the 20th century, and supporting actors often received little documentation compared to stars. Additionally, the transition from silent to sound films in the late 1920s caused many careers to end abruptly without leaving extensive traces.
Learn More
Films
1 film
