Firebird

This is definitely one of the most grand productions in this year’s festival.
Peeter Reban’s breathtaking debut takes place during the Soviet regime in Estonia. It depicts the forbidden love affair of a young soldier and a pilot. Sergey meets Roman during his basic training. Luisa, Sergey’s childhood friend and now the base’s secretary, also falls under the charms of the attractive officer. One of the head officers on the base suspects Sergey and Roman are having an affair in a time when homosexuality is forbidden and is punishable by imprisonment. Aside from the threat inside the base there is a war brewing between the USSR and the west, and Roman is meant to be sent out there to fight.
The film is based on a true story, and depicts in an operatic manner a love blossoming against all odds in a tragic and tough world. Actors Tom Prior and Oleg Zagoridnii excel as the romantic duo in this well orchestrated production.