Directors: Yakov Bazelyan, Sergei Parajanov
Stars: Giuli Chokhonelidze, Konstantin Russu, Nodar Shashigoglu, Ludmila Sokolova, K. Stirbu, Eugeniu Ureche, Domnika Dariyenko, Robert Klyavin, Trifon Gruzin
An adaptation of a fairy tale by Moldovan writer Emilian Bukov; this feature length version of Andriesh (Kyiv Film Studio 1954) is a straight forward example of the Soviet fairytale film genre. In the film, the young shepherd Andriesh is charged with guarding the village’s flock of sheep. There Andriesh meets Voinovan, a bogatyr (hero) who gives the young boy his magic wooden flute. Black Storm, a wicked sorcerer who despises the flute’s joyous music, descends upon the village in human form, hypnotizes and kidnaps Voinovan’s beloved Liana, sets the village aflame, and steals its flock. Andriesh undertakes a journey to confront Black Storm and meets various individuals who help him, while Voinovan amasses an army of Haiduks (mercenary soldiers) with sun tempered maces to battle the sorcerer.
Famous Soviet film director Sergei Parajanov's first surviving film, the 63 minute color "Andriesh", was co-directed by Yakov Bazelyan. Co-cinematographer is Suren Shahbazyan (Shakhbazyan) who later lensed Sergei Paradjanov's Armenian masterpiece "The Color of Pomegranates".
Soviet Union (Ukraine)
In Russian, with
English subs (in .mkv)