Synopsis
June 2023. The Georgian government seizes control of the Georgian National Film Center (GNFC) making censorship imminent. Georgian filmmakers overcome their feuds and unite to protest, forming a family with a shared mission to save independent cinema: “Art is independent, free and political.” Amidst my colleagues I take my camera and start documenting our protest movement from day one.
Culture is just the first target of the government’s tightening grip. Shortly after Georgia’s candidacy for the European Union is approved, the ruling Georgian Dream Party pushes through parliament the “Russian” law requiring NGOs and media receiving foreign funding to report. It gives them full control over the October elections. Despite hard evidence of election fraud, Georgian Dream declares itself the winner with 53% of the seats in parliament.
Everyone knew that this Putin-minded government would not leave peacefully, but we all believed that better times would come. With our democracy at stake, we now have no choice but to rally, braving riot police, tear gas, and water cannons.
As this turbulent year unfolds, my camera focuses on my close friends and colleagues, Tekla and Maradia. We share anger, grief, friendship, hope. Filmmakers by profession we have become activists, fighting in the streets. What began as a protest by filmmakers has become a massive wave of resistance, with hundreds of thousands of people participating every day.
Culture is just the first target of the government’s tightening grip. Shortly after Georgia’s candidacy for the European Union is approved, the ruling Georgian Dream Party pushes through parliament the “Russian” law requiring NGOs and media receiving foreign funding to report. It gives them full control over the October elections. Despite hard evidence of election fraud, Georgian Dream declares itself the winner with 53% of the seats in parliament.
Everyone knew that this Putin-minded government would not leave peacefully, but we all believed that better times would come. With our democracy at stake, we now have no choice but to rally, braving riot police, tear gas, and water cannons.
As this turbulent year unfolds, my camera focuses on my close friends and colleagues, Tekla and Maradia. We share anger, grief, friendship, hope. Filmmakers by profession we have become activists, fighting in the streets. What began as a protest by filmmakers has become a massive wave of resistance, with hundreds of thousands of people participating every day.
Gallery
