Once Upon a Time There Was a Singing Blackbird

Once Upon a Time There Was a Singing Blackbird is a newly restored Georgian film directed by Otar Iosseliani. This lively, observational character study follows Gia, a carefree flâneur who works for the Tbilisi Philharmonic. He spends his days flirting, socializing, and wandering through the city, repeatedly rushing in just in time to play his timpani cue.

The film captures the streets, sounds, and musical life of Iosseliani’s hometown with a style that is both polished and spontaneous. Selected for the Directors’ Fortnight at Cannes in 1974, it marks an important step toward the freewheeling observational approach that became central to the director’s work.

When: November 15, 2026

Showtimes: 5:00 PM–7:00 PM

Venue: Lightbox Film Center; the screening is listed at Bok Auditorium, 800 Mifflin St, Philadelphia, PA 19148

Tickets: Price not available

Format: New restoration

Director: Otar Iosseliani

Cast and premise: Gela Kandelaki plays Gia, an impulsive, sociable musician employed by the Tbilisi Philharmonic.

Run time: 85 minutes

Year and countries: 1970; Georgia

Language: Georgian and Russian with English subtitles

Recognition: Selected for the 1974 Cannes Directors’ Fortnight.