Mid-19th century. Zaur-bek, a highlander declared an outlaw after being accused of killing a Russian officer, takes to the mountains and becomes an abrek. His home is burned to the ground, while his father and sister are arrested. Yet Zaur remains beyond the authorities' reach. Determined to force his surrender, the Tsarist administration decides to set fire to his native village...

By tradition, the opening film of the Alania Festival of Authentic Cinema is a silent film. In 2026, the festival presents Boris Mikhin's Abrek Zaur (1926), celebrating the film's centenary. The screening will feature a specially commissioned live score composed by Atsamaz Makoev, a composer from North Ossetia.

The leading role is performed by Vladimir Bestaev, the first film actor from North Ossetia, who is also the subject of a dedicated festival exhibition. The film print has been generously provided by Gosfilmofond of Russia.

The silent film will be screened with Russian intertitles and English subtitles.