Saved events

The Colour of Pomegranates (Sayat-Nova) + Introduction by curator Alex Davidson (PG)

Queer 60s

,Cinema 1
A film still showing a woman playing the male lead, dressed in a striped shirt and white hat. In their right hand they're holding a skull in a metal helmet, and their left hand is held up to their chest.

Sergei Parajanov’s hugely influential masterpiece is an unorthodox biopic of 18th century Armenian poet Sayat-Nova, featuring stunning imagery and queer resonances.

The Colour of Pomegranates is a cinematic ode to the poet Sayat-Nova, heavy on symbolism and enigma. Upon its original release, Soviet censors were unimpressed, bemoaning the lack of a clear narrative. But there was one key element of the film that the authorities did not catch: its lush, queer aesthetic. Although any explicitly queer content would have guaranteed censorship or an outright ban, the film is steeped in strange, often beautiful homoerotic imagery.

Parajanov was arrested several times for same-sex sexual activity, and was a provocateur throughout his career, with his art seen as anti-Soviet. The legacy of The Colour of Pomegranates has continued across decades through pop culture, inspiring gay icons such as Madonna and Lady Gaga. It is, quite simply, one of the most beautiful films ever made.

Tagged with: Cinema Queer 60s

In Armenian with English subtitles.

Please note this film contains a scene of animal slaughter.

Film information
  • Release year   1969
  • Country of origin   Soviet Union
  • Director   Sergei Parajanov
  • Runtime   1hr 18mins

Queer 60s

Cinema 1

Location
Barbican Cinema 1 is located within the main Barbican building on Level -2. Head to Level G and walk towards the Lakeside Terrace where you’ll find stairs and lifts to take you down to the venue floor.   

Address
Barbican Centre
Silk Street, London
EC2Y 8DS

Public transport
The Barbican is widely accessible by bus, tube, train and by foot or bicycle. Plan your journey and find more route information in ‘Your Visit’ or book your car parking space in advance.