The Blacksmith's Banner
Знамя кузнеца / The Blacksmith's Banner (1961)
Inspired by the epic poem "Shahnameh" by Ferdowsi. It tells the story of Zahhak, the ruler of the Kingdom of Snakes, who, through cunning and deception, conquers a neighboring state and establishes the cult of the Snake Goddess. Zahhak has two snakes growing from his shoulders that feed on human brains. Each day, a dancer, a devotee of the cult, performs a snake dance in the city square. The person she kisses during her performance is doomed to be sacrificed to the snakes.