The Northeast Winds [Grätzel:Kino]

Filmscreening und Publikumsgespräch mit Regisseur Nikoloz Bezhanishvili

ABOUT THE FILM (Georgia 2022, 90 min., Original mit englischen Untertiteln)

In Gori, the Georgian city where Iósif Stalin was born, a group of Stalinist nostalgic die-hards goes into crisis when the local government orders the last statue of the dictator in the city to be taken down. Through an observational documentary style, Nikoloz Bezhanishvili films the state of disappointment of these citizens, who still dream of returning to the time when Stalin was in control, and how they organise themselves to get the statue erected again. During this process, the group comes into conflict with the local Stalinist Party. The camera reveals the group’s internal contradictions as their different interpretations of ideology become apparent. Nobody in this group is able to see that their nostalgia world no longer exists and that the new generations are no longer interested in Stalin.

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f0fv8JImgQA

NIKOLOZ BEZHANISHVILI

Nikoloz Bezhanishvili, a Georgian filmmaker, is known for his impactful short films and TV documentaries. His work on post-Soviet issues, like homophobic violence in Georgia and the Ukraine-Russia conflict, has been highlighted by The Washington Post and The Guardian. He graduated in Film Directing from the Georgian State University of Theatre and Film in 2004 and refined his skills at USC’s American Film Showcase program in 2015. In 2018, he founded NIKADOCFILM. His documentary „Black Square,“ focusing on Georgian female drug addicts, received multiple festival awards.  and his latest documentary, „The Northeast Winds,“ premiered at IDFA and won awards at several festivals.

Eintritt: Freiwillige Spenden