Nana Ekvtimishvili’s and Simon Gross’ In Bloom will be screened in the „Forum“. Both debut films by Georgian directors are created with the financial support of Georgian National Film Center. The selection of the films took place during the prefestival visit of Berlinale delegation in Tbilisi (October, 2012).
Nikolaj Nikitin, Festival Delegate of the International Filmfestspiele Berlin "After traveling with Forum Director Christoph Terhechte last year to Tbilisi (not my first and surely not last visit), it was a big pleasure and honor to have two Georgian films present in this year's Berlinale selection. Chemi Sabnis Naketsi (A Fold in My Blanket) as the opening film of the prestigious Panorama Program and Grzeli nateli dgeebi (In Bloom) invited into Forum, the section that discovered in its history many outstanding filmmakers of today, is a clear sign of the high quality of Georgian filmmakers today.
Those two debut feature films proof the special scripting writing quality and the outstanding original directors talent Georgia has to offer. Needless to mention the fantastic cast and the beautiful landscapes. Both films wouldn't be possible without the ongoing support (not only financially, but in all means of the word) of the Georgian National Film Center, who was our host in October. Having the outstanding Georgian cinema tradition in mind, Georgia seems to become the New Hot Spot in Europe to discover outstanding filmmakers and intriguing film productions. We are looking forward to a great 63rd edition of the Berlinale with a special Georgian flavor. A heartfelt GAUMARJOS to Georgian cinema!"
A Fold in My Blanket won GNFC project competition in 2011. The story takes place in the nearest future in a small Georgian town. Having completed his studies abroad, Dimitri returns to his country and starts working at the court of law. The daily routine is enlivened by his hobby – mountain-climbing. Observing a marvellous landscape from the top of the mountain, Dimitri attempts to free himself from the claustrophobia of his town. This is a brief outline of the film. However, the young director offers original narrative and many intriguing surprises. The cast consists of the following young and experienced actors: Tornike Bziava, Tornike Gogrichiani, Giorgi Nakashidze, Avtandil Makharadze, Zura Kipshidze, Liudmila Mghebrishvili-Artiomova, Marina Janashia, Maka Makharadze, Darejan Kharshiladze, Shota Kristesashvili, Akaki Khidasheli and Giorgi Giorganashvili.
Nana Ekvtimishvili’s and Simon Gross’ In Bloom is Georgian-German-French Coproduction.
The subsidy for the film was allocated by GNFC. The coproducers are German and French TV channels ZDF and ARTE. The film was also financed by the State Funds of German and French Ministries of Culture.
The director of photography is a famous Romanian professional Oleg Mutu, whose works have been awarded at numerous international festivals. Among his recent works are Cristian Mungiu’s Beyond the Hills (2012), Sergey Loznitsa‘s My Happiness (2010) etc. The action takes place in Georgia of the 90s. The main characters are two girls aged fourteen – Eka and Natia. Their life passes between home, school, street and the queue at the bakery. They live close to each other, go to the same school and are best friends. Both of them have family problems. However, while the elder generation deals with daily problems, the girls lead their own lives. On the background of severe reality and rough laws of survival, the girls try to perceive the principles of relation with the opposite sex. For the first time in their lives, they have to deal with serious issues like the problems of friendship, love, revenge...
Starring: Lika Babluani, Mariam Bokeria
Georgian National Film Center at the European Film Market
In 2013 Georgian National Film Center will take part in the European Film Market within Berlinale for the eighth time.
A Georgian stand will be opened at the Film Market, offering detailed information to the Festival guests and film professionals concerning the current state of Georgian cinema, recent Georgian films and the strategy of development of film industry in Georgia. At the Georgian stand, meetings will be organized with GNFC partners and international colleagues.
The stand will offer a catalogue of recent Georgian films, GNFC informational brochures, a disc with trailers of latest Georgian films, a disc of short films and information about the advantages of shooting in Georgia.
Georgian National Film Center will also take part in Berlinale Coproduction Market, a two-days’ event uniting 450 professionals experienced in co-production. This year Georgia, represented by GNFC, is one of the partners of Berlinale Coproduction Market, which embraces several producers from Georgia (Ana Dziapshipa, Tinatin Kajrishvili, Noshrevan Chkhaidze, Nana Ekvtimishvili, Simon Gross, Zaza Rusadze).
On February 11 Georgia will be presented as a country with a potential of being involved in the scheme of European co-production. At the Country Session, Tamar Tatishvili will introduce the audience the rules and examples of film production in Georgia and cooperation with Georgian producers.
Sonja Heinen Head of Berlinale Co-Production Market
Berlin International Film Festival
"We are very happy and proud to have the Georgian National Film Center as a partner of the Berlinale Co-Production Market. Georgia is for many international producers still a rather hidden country, but they need to understand that it is a jewel! There has been so much positive development in terms of international co-productions in the past two or three years that Georgia should be more present in producers' mindmaps. Being so present in the Berlinale Co-Production Market and having a film in the Official Programme of the Berlinale will certainly help achieving this goal."
In 2012 Georgia became full member of the regional space of Sarajevo Film Festival. On February 9, upon the initiative of GNFC and Sarajevo Film Festival, a reception will be held aimed at establishing links between the filmmakers of the two countries and forming a basis for future cooperation.
Georgia’s representation at Berlinale is especially large-scale in 2013. In order to celebrate the success of latest Georgian films, on February 10, 2013 Georgian National Film Center will give a reception, enabling international film professionals and GNFC partners to get acquainted with the Georgain delegation.
