Zaza Khalvashi

Renowned filmmaker and university professor Zaza KHALVASHI (1957, Georgia) studied literature and later film directing in Tbilisi under prominent Georgian directors Tengiz Abuladze and Rezo Chkheidze. He then moved into teaching as a professor in film directing at Batumi State Art University, where he also managed the film and television department. Khalvashi founded BAFIS (Batumi Art House Film Independent Studio), which produced his films. Solomon (2015) won the Best Film at Tbilisi International Film Festival the same year. Namme (2017) premiered in the main selection of Tokyo International Film Festival and was nominated as Georgia’s bid for the Academy Awards in 2018. Before his death in 2020, Khalvashi divided his time between teaching and art. Drawing Lots (2023), selected for IFFR 2023, was produced posthumously.