Cairo Classics · 45th Edition
The Color of Pomegranates (Sayat Nova)
Director
Sergei Parajanov
Country
Soviet Union
Language
Armenian, Georgian
Synopsis
A portrait of the revered 18th-century Armenian poet and musician Sayat Nova, the ‘King of Song’. Through his poetry and a series of lavish tableaux, the film charts his life from humble weaver, to king’s minstrel and cloistered monk before being martyred for his faith by invading Persians.
Cast
Sofiko Chiaureli, Melkon Alekyan, Vilen Galstyan, Gogi Gegechkori
Screenplay
Sergei Parajanov, Sayat Nova
Producers
Alexander Melik-Sargsyan
About the Director
One of the 20th century's greatest masters of cinema, Sergei Parajanov was born in Georgia to Armenian parents. After studying film and music, he made his directorial debut in 1954. His 1964 film Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors showcased Ukrainian folk culture, revealing his unique talent. He followed with the innovative The Color of Pomegranates (1969), but faced imprisonment on dubious charges during the 1970s. With perestroika, he created The Legend of the Surami Fortress (1985) and Ashik Kerib (1988), passing away from cancer in 1990.
Screenings