Georgian contemporary cinema is thriving, evolving day by day, and gaining prominence not only among Georgian audiences but also on the global stage. In recent years, films from Georgia have been garnering recognition and appreciation at international festivals. The year 2023 is no exception; it has been particularly successful for new Georgian films, with a notable emphasis on documentaries that addressed relevant themes. In this article, we showcase the five best contemporary Georgian films that graced the screens in 2023.
Blackbird Blackbird Blackberry
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Ellen Naverian’s film ‘Blackbird Blackbird Blackberry’ narrates the story of Etero, a 48-year-old woman who cherishes her independence as much as her love for cakes. Despite her aversion to marriage, her life takes an unexpected turn after a sudden accident. Adapted from Tamta Melashvili’s book, the film has achieved global acclaim, premiering at the Cannes Film Festival. Notably, it secured the Best Feature Picture award at the Sarajevo Film Festival, with Eka Chavleishvili, who portrays Etero, earning the accolade for Best Actress.
Mother And Daughter, Or The Night Is Never Complete
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Lana Ghoghoberidze, the legendary Georgian director, presents a documentary highlighting the life of the first Georgian female director and her mother, Nutsa Ghoghoberidze. The film stands out for its exceptional sincerity, offering a profound reflection not only on the author’s history but also on the history of Georgia. Selected for the Berlinale special program, the documentary is set to be screened at the festival.
Smiling Georgia
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Luka Beridze’s documentary, ‘Smiling Georgia,’ blends humor and sorrow in a tragicomic tale about individuals promised dental care by the government during the 2012 reform. Despite dentists extracting damaged teeth from the elderly, the program came to an abrupt end after the election defeat, leaving the promised dental work incomplete. The film has successfully reached international audiences, screening at festivals such as Sarajevo and Turin. Notably, it secured victory at the Tbilisi Festival, earning the European Union Award for ‘Human Rights in Cinema.
Lotto
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Zaza Khalvashi’s artistic black and white film delves into the life of a seaside city neighborhood, weaving a tapestry of love and mystery stories. Notably, the director passed away a few years ago, and the film was posthumously completed by his family. The work received a nomination at the Rotterdam Film Festival and emerged victorious in the main competition at the Tbilisi Film Festival, securing the title of Best Feature Film.
Magic mountain
TOP 5 GEORGIAN FILMS RELEASED IN 2023 -06
Photo Source: docsbarcelona.com/
Mariam Chachia and Nik Voigt initiated the filming of this movie when the director fell ill with tuberculosis. Their original intent was to narrate the stories of those combating this affliction in Georgia. However, the film took a drastic turn when it became evident that the building housing those affected would soon face demolition. Although the film has been in the public eye for only a few months, it has already sparked significant discussion and debate among Georgian viewers.
