Pera Films to screen film adapted from Chekhov story

Pera Films proudly presents "The Sky Sparkles in Praise of Chekhov" film program, which investigates Russian writer Anton Chekov's accomplished works through the lenses of predominantly Soviet and Russian filmmakers. "An Unfinished Piece for the Player Piano," whose script was inspired from Anton Chekov's unfinished script of a stage play titled "Platonov," is an understated, elegant and compassionate articulation of personal disappointment, emotional resignation and regret. Directed by Nikita Mikhalkov, the film is set in the early 20th century. Family and friends gather at the country estate of a general's widow, Anna Petrovna. Sofia, the new wife of Anna's step-son, recognizes Misha, the brother-in-law of one of the widow's admirers. A few years earlier, they had been idealistic lovers, and now she can't believe he has settled for a dim wife and a job as a teacher. Amid parlor games and idle talk of women's rights and peasants' capabilities, Sofia and Misha rekindle their love. But will they flaunt convention, abandon families and run away to pursue lost dreams?

When: Feb. 6 and Feb. 14

Where: Pera Museum