Birds of Our Hopes

Birds of Our Hopes (1977) — watch online on iFILM, a lyrical Soviet melodrama from Uzbek director Elyor Ishmukhаmedov. Cameraman Amir, played by Yuri Kamorny, is thirty and comfortable: interesting work, a wide circle of friends, a devoted girlfriend named Lia. He sees no reason to rush anything. Things are fine as they are.

Then Lia dies. Without warning. The man who deferred every serious decision now faces one he cannot put off — he chooses to adopt her son Timur. Ishmukhаmedov keeps the camera at a quiet remove throughout; there is real grief here but no cheap melodrama — no swelling score, no close-up tears. Natalia Saiko and Irina Pechernikova appear in supporting roles. Stream Birds of Our Hopes online on iFILM.