Maestro

Relegated to the background in the brutal times of a transitional period, the Maestro, who is a devotee of art, an advocate of moral standards, a cellist of a symphonic orchestra, a professor of a conservatory, unable to withstand the prevailing wildness, has inevitable clashes with the environment and experiences a heavy personal drama. Archival footage of protests preceding and following the 2008 Armenian presidential elections are used in the film.

Directed by Vigen Chaldranyan, Maestro leans on a strong ensemble — Michael Poghosian, Karen Dzhanibekyan, Eka Horstka — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about drama titles of 2010.