Red pomegranate
The words of 17th century Armenian poet Arutuin Sayadian, also known as "Sayat Nova" (The King of Song), are captured in this visual pastiche which is both a stylized biography of the writer and a tribute to his work. Charted into eight sections of his life from childhood to death, the film is rich in symbols of the sacred and secular life and of the country, a country said to have suffered as Sayat Nova suffered and as Christ did. In a memorable scene, Parajanov marks out the map of Armenia with the scarlet juice of three bleeding pomegranates. (Does not circulate)
Film, English, 1969
Ifex Films, New York, 1969