Shirvani Chalaev

A growing up drama based on the stories of Fazil Iskander. The film is set in Abkhazia at the end of the Stalin era, in the late 40s - early 50s of the 20th century. 13-year-old Chik, a mischievous and contemplative person, lives the usual life of a Soviet schoolboy in the sunny town of Mukhus on the seashore. The sudden arrest of his father makes Chika more acutely experiencing his growing up, but cannot change his cheerful character and kind heart. A heightened sense of justice becomes the source of his both dangerous and comic adventures.

Pale, thin, cold-sweating Pik (Khugaev) teaches literature at the local university to students so indifferent they play cards and take phone calls while he lectures. "The hell with you,” he says, walking out mid-class. It’s unclear just why Pik seems so sickly, though by midpoint we realize he’s a heroin addict in withdrawal. Broke, alienated, shunned by his dealer, he searches for a fix or any other salvation, sharing his bleak thoughts in voiceover. Attractive lensing and spare piano/ambient sound score abet the feature’s melancholy, meditative aura.

End of XVII century, Dagestan. A young outlaw named Khochbar accompanies the daughter of the nutsal of Khunzakh Khanate, Saadat, who was married for political reasons to the son of the Shamkhal of Tarki. During the long road, the young princess develops feelings towards Khochbar...

The film takes place in one of Dagestani villages. It tells the story of Murad and Maisarat, two teenagers, who fall in love with each other. Their love can't exist though, in a conservative environment of Dagestani customs, because Maisarat was betrothed to another boy, and the couple can't go against the will of parents.