He was born in 1955 in Akhalkalak. He graduated in film directing in 1981. Since 1979, he has worked at the ArmenFilm studio. In 1991, he founded the Debut Film Festival. In 1993-1994, he worked at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia, as Head of Culture and Science Department. In 2004, he founded the Golden Apricot Yerevan International Film Festival and has been leading it ever since. Since 2006, he has been a member of European Film Academy. In 2008 he received the title of “Chevalier” of the Order of Arts and Letters of France. In 2016 he became the president of National Cinema Academy of RA. In 2017 he was elected President of the Union of Cinematographers of Armenia.