Inspired by an ancient Russian folk tale and adapted from the novella by Daniel Chongadze, The Legend Of Surami Fortress (Ambavi Suramis tsikhitsa. 1984) is a visually dazzling film by visionary director Sergei Paradjanov (Ashik Kerib, Shadows Of Forgotten Ancestors, The Colour of Pomegranates).

As the story opens, repeated efforts by the Georgian people to construct a defensive stronghold continually fail. The building they are laboring to complete collapses, but then a fortune teller remembers an old prophecy: In order for the fortress to stand, the son of her erstwhile lover must be bricked up inside the structure – alive. The young man is faced with the prospect of sacrificing himself to save his homeland.

Described by The New York Times as "a minimalist spectacle" and Time Out as "visually striking," The Legend Of Surami Fortress is filled with vivid and unforgettable imagery and a surreal ode to the Georgian warriors throughout the ages who died for their country.

The Legend of the Surami Fortress will be released on UK DVD on 8th December 2008 by Artificial Eye at the RRP of £19.99. Extra features are:

• Sergei Paradzhanov documentary (27 mins);
• Veriko Andzhaparadze featurette (9 mins);
• The Architecture of Ancient Georgia featurette (6 mins);
• Photo Album;
• Filmographies.