One of the great films of the Soviet era, The Colour of Pomegranates is an unconventional biopic of 18th century Armenian ashug (a kind of folk poet or musician) Sayat-Nova. Taking a lyrical and mystical approach to its subject, the film explores the man’s life in chapters using a series of visually stunning tableaux that emphasise the effect of his surroundings and culture on his art.

A film that exists almost entirely outside of the standard grammar of cinema, and presented here in a beautiful new digital restoration that enhances the immersive experience of the imagery and soundtrack.

Notes by Kevin Coyne