Bela – Tragedy of a Circassian Princess

Circassian Film: Bela – Tragedy of a Circassian Princess

In (Kabardian) Circassian, with English subtitles (by Centre for Circassian Studies).

Based on M. Lermontov’s classic work “Bela: A Hero of Our Time”.

Directed by Stanislav Rostotsky. Maxim Gorky Film Studio Production, 1965.

Kabardian Text & Songs: Aleem K’ischoqwe

Bela: Silvia Berova
Kazbich: Sulambek Mamila
Pechorin: Vladimir Ivashov
Kabardian Prince (Bela’s father): Barasby Mula
Azamat (Bela’s brother): Rolan Borashvili
Kabardian Nobleman: R. Kushmezoqwe
Maksim Maksimich: Alexey Chernov

Nestled in the original film are significant Circassian culture and folklore segments (about a third of the material), which have been pieced together to make a “Circassian” film. The setting of the novelette is Kabarda and the film was shot there. Kabardian text and songs were written by the famous Kabardian writer and poet Aleem K’ischoqwe. Also, Circassian actors played principal and support roles. Non-Circassian actors (the Russian officer Maksim Maksimich spoke Kabardian) were coached to speak Circassian. The Circassian music, dances (dancers were coached and supervised by B. Qashirghe), and costumes are authentic, and obviously the production team went out of their way to bring about a very high quality film.