Melodia!: Screening “Karine” by Arman Manaryan

Kino Klassika is delighted to take part in the British Film Institute’s Musicals! season, and present film by Arman Manaryan “Karine”. Based on an operetta by Tigran Chukhajan, Karine includes everything an operetta is supposed to have: two couples in love, dressing up, kidnapping, amorous misunderstandings and crooked villains brought to account. Yet despite the absurdity of the plot and the staid production design, it is the gorgeously voiced vocals and lead performances, which make this as enchanting to watch as any Italian operetta. Performed in Armenian and released shortly after the 1965 demonstrations in Yerevan, it is important to see this film, charming as it is, as a reclamation also of Armenian identity.

In Armenian with English subtitles.