The former recreation home for Soviet cinematographers in the South Caucasus has been repurposed to accommodate writers. But that does not seem to work very well either. At present, only Boris Martow from Moscow, a talent from the promising times of the perestroika, is on the guest list.

Amidst the faded glory of the institution for privileged artists, the poet tries to overcome his continuing creative crisis. There is little support from the staff of the house. Especially the higher ranking live in the lap of luxury. They appear to primarily satisfy their own desires instead of meeting the wishes of others.

Nevertheless a joint celebration is organized. In the institution's own cinema, however, the system ultimately shows its true colours. The indisposed audience is bored by the musical performance of the highly gifted twins Arevshatyan, and the nervous crisis of the poet reaches a low point just at the time of the celebration.