Zare (film)

Zare

Company type	Film
Industry	Cinema
Founded	1926
Founder	Hamo Beknazarian
Products	Drama film

Zare (, , ) is a 1926 Soviet Armenian drama film both scripted and directed by Hamo Beknazarian. This film stands as the first Armenian cinematic work to center on Kurdish culture, drawing inspiration from the literary piece "Zare" authored by Hakob Ghazaryan.

Plot

Set against the backdrop of the Caucasus, the narrative explores Kurdish existence and their opposition to imperial Russian domination. A Kurdish clan, under the leadership of Mejid-agha, camps in the vicinity of Mount Ararat and Mount Alagyaz, facing adversity due to Mejid-agha’s rule and the burdensome taxation imposed by Timur-bek. Timur-bek covets Zare, who is betrothed to the shepherd Saydo; after her father refuses Timur-bek’s proposal, he swears vengeance against Saydo.

In response to Russian demands, Kurdish "involunteer" battalions are assembled. Saydo, compelled by Timur-bek’s influence, enlists but eventually deserts to reunite with Zare. During a conflict defending Zare’s relatives, Saydo sustains injuries. Timur-bek abducts Zare, and at their wedding ceremony she delivers a public slap—an act considered a grave dishonor among Kurds. As retribution, Timur-bek accuses her of unfaithfulness, resulting in her social exclusion. With no other refuge except Saydo’s support, the couple departs from their tribe in search of liberty and a better life.

Cast

• Maria Tenazi as Zare
• Hrachia Nersisyan as Saydo
• Avet Avetisyan as Slo
• Olga Gulazyan as Lyatif Khanum
• Manvel Manvelyan as Msto
• Nina Manucharyan as Nano
• Hambartsum Khachanyan as Khdo
• M. Garagash as Temur-Bek
• Aram Amirbekyan as Clerk
• Sh. Guramashvili as Police-officer
• Amasi Martirosyan as Zurba
• M. Aghamalov as Sheikh
• N. Barres as Head of Uezd
• N. Aghambekyan as Zare's girlfriend
• S. Gevorgyan as Zurba's wife

See also

• Kurdish cinema