4K RESTORATION
Director: Sergei Parajanov, Dodo Abashidze
Runtime: 86 minutes
Country: Georgia
Language: Azerbaijani, Georgian with English subtitles
Rating: PG

Synopsis

Sergei Parajanov’s The Legend of the Suram Fortress (1985), made after a 15-year hiatus, is a sumptuous and oneiric retelling of a well-known Georgian folktale. The story revolves around the perpetually crumbling Suram Fortress, which can only stand when the prophecy of a young man offering himself to be walled within it is fulfilled.

Throughout Parajanov’s painterly tableaux, the donning, removing, and exchanging of clothing emerges as a poignant motif, marking pivotal shifts in the characters’ arcs. Clothing functions as both a shield and an offering, as well as a social marker of class and religious affiliations. The film’s tragic conclusion is foreshadowed from the start, where the act of enclosing oneself within the fortress becomes a metaphorical garment—embodying the ultimate burden of fate and the cost of independence.

This screening is part of the programme Styled & Sutured: Fashion on Screen. For more screenings, please click here.

Friends of AFA members, please read the membership guide on how to purchase your discounted tickets and redeem your complimentary tickets.

Oldham Theatre’s opening hours

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Important Notice:

Do note that Oldham Theatre operates on a free seating arrangement. Doors will open 10 minutes before showtime so arrive early to choose a seat and avoid disrupting the screenings as AFA does not play ads and screenings will start promptly.

All patrons are encouraged to purchase your tickets online. If you choose to purchase tickets or merchandise at Oldham Theatre’s box office, cashless payment is preferred.

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T&Cs
Concession tickets apply to Students (Local & Overseas), Full-time National Servicemen (NSF), Senior Citizens (55 years and above) only.

Please check film ratings before purchase of tickets. Please note that you may be asked to present your ID at the door (this applies to concession tickets as well). Only physical photographic identification is allowed, digital copies of identification are not allowed. AFA reserves the right to turn away any members of the public without physical photographic identification.

Upon confirmation of your order for Tickets, no exchange of Tickets will be made under any circumstances and Tickets are not transferable. No refund on Tickets will be made under any circumstances except due to cancellation of the event. The resale of Tickets at any price is prohibited.