Namus (film)

Armenfilm

Company type	State cinema organisation
Industry	Film production
Founded	16 April 1923
Headquarters	Yerevan , Armenia (then Soviet Union)

Namus (, translating to "honor") is a silent drama motion picture from 1925, directed by Hamo Beknazarian and adapted from the 1885 novel by Alexander Shirvanzade. The film offers a critical perspective on the restrictive traditions within Caucasian communities and is recognized as the inaugural feature film in Armenian cinema.

Background

Founded on 16 April 1923, the Armenfilm studio originated as the State Cinema Organisation. Prior to the 1917 Revolution, Hamo Beknazarian was known primarily as an actor; following the Bolshevik rise to power, he shifted his focus towards directing. Namus marked his first significant film project in this new role.

Production and reaction

The debut screening of Namus took place at Yerevan's Nairi Theatre on 13 April 1926, with a subsequent showing in Moscow on 3 October that year. A poster from Leningrad in 1926 promoted it as the "biggest blockbuster of the season." Beknazarian’s intention was to challenge entrenched customs, especially those surrounding the notion of "father's honor." The film's acclaim solidified Beknazarian’s status as a prominent figure in Soviet filmmaking and as a pioneer of Armenian cinema.

Restoration

The initial restoration of the film, which included voiceover narration, occurred during the 1960s. A digital restoration was later undertaken by the Franco-German network Arte in 2005. This restored version premiered at Paris's Cinéma Le Balzac in November 2005 and was subsequently presented at Moscow Cinema in Yerevan in April 2010.

Plot

Set against the backdrop of pre-revolutionary Russia in the Caucasian town of Shemakhi, the narrative centers on Seyran, the son of a potter, who clandestinely meets his betrothed, Susan. Their relationship violates strict Armenian social customs. When neighbors uncover their secret meetings, gossip ensues, prompting Susan’s family to arrange her marriage to Rustam, an affluent merchant, to reclaim their family's honor. Seyran asserts his claim over Susan, inciting Rustam to murder her. Overcome by grief upon learning of Susan's fate, Seyran takes his own life.

Cast

• Hovhannes Abelian as Barkhudar
• Hasmik portraying Mariam
• Olga Maysurian in the role of Gyulnaz
• Hrachia Nersisyan as Rustam
• Avet Avetisian playing Hayrapet
• Nina Manucharyan as Shpanik
• Samvel Mkhrtchian cast as Seyran
• Maria Shahbutian-Tatieva appearing as Susan
• Hambartsum Khachanyan as Badal
• Levon Aleksanian portraying Susambar
• Gayane Beknazarian in the role of Sanam
• Amasi Martirosyan as Smbat
• Mikayel Garagash cast as shopkeeper
• Husik Muradian playing a dancing child
• Elizaveta Adamian as Mariam's friend
• Tigran Shamirkhanian performing as a Zurna player
• Armen Gulakian featured in episodic parts
• Pahare portraying pub owner

See also

• Namus (the concept)
• Cinema of Armenia