La Georgia

A documentary project by Georgian director Otar Iosselia¡ni, who has worked in France for years, about his country of origin. The production was made for television (Arte) and was intended for two thematic broadcasts. Iosseliani is making a special version of about 90 minutes to be screened at the festival and he will present it in person.Before the very eyes of Europe, a new drama is unfolding, that of the downfall of the Georgian nation. Georgia has been in the news regularly lately because of coups and civil war. Political developments affecting its historical enemy Russia are also not encouraging for the small and unusual country. Whether the leaders are Jeltsin, Shevardnadze or (the late) Khamsakhurdia, none of them would appear to offer the country any peace.Iosseliani wants to focus attention on the fact that this area hit by crisis and war has a rich history and culture. Georgia's strategic location have often made it the site of skirmishes in the past, as is now the case with the Abchazians. The culture of Georgia has also however profited from its crucial geographical location because it has undergone so many influences from East and West. This diversity has for instance ensured that for a long time the capital Tbilisi has a tole¡rant atmosphere for other religions.Iosseliani wonders whether he is now seeing the end of Georgian culture, whether the exceptional architecture, literature, music and in the recent past also films are now lost and gone for ever.