Once Upon a Time There Was a Singing Blackbird
Filmfest 2011

ONCE UPON A TIME THERE WAS A SINGING BLACKBIRD Guia is a timpanist who plays as part of the orchestra for the local ballet. The position feels like a part-time job to the young gadabout, who always arrives just in time to play his piece before rushing back out for his next social affair. He pursues a string of girls, he helps his photographer friend, he entertains the neighbourhood kids with a music box – in every way, Guia appears to live his life sans souci... Director Otar Iosseliani frequently saw his films censored upon release by authorities in the USSR for social criticism. Comedy and tragedy in equal parts, ONCE THERE WAS A SINGING BLACKBIRD is an underseen masterwork with universal charm. www..celluloidbreakfast.bolgspot.com