Georgian Directors

Below are some of the best Georgian directors ever. Click on their pictures to discover more about them.

A Brief History of Georgian Cinema

The first Georgian film, “Kristine,” was produced in 1916 by Vasil Amashukeli, marking the inception of the Georgian film industry. In the ensuing years, cinema evolved rapidly, particularly during the Soviet era, when it was integrated into the larger Soviet film industry. Despite being under the umbrella of Soviet cinema, Georgian filmmakers managed to craft a distinct voice, often characterised by poetic imagery, allegory, and a focus on personal, human stories that resonated with Georgian culture and history. The 1920s and 1930s saw the rise of directors like Kote Marjanishvili and Mikheil Chiaureli, who set the stage for a national cinema that combined artistic ambition with the storytelling traditions of the region.

During the mid-20th century, Georgian cinema continued to flourish, with notable directors such as Tengiz Abuladze and Eldar Shengelaia emerging in the 1950s and 1960s. These filmmakers pushed the boundaries of the art form within the Soviet system, introducing new thematic complexities and experimenting with narrative structures. Abuladze’s “Repentance” became a symbol of the Georgian New Wave, achieving international acclaim for its allegorical critique of Stalinism. This bold move reflected the growing sense of openness during the perestroika period. This era witnessed the blossoming of Georgian cinema as it gained recognition at international film festivals, showcasing the unique cinematic language that Georgian directors had developed, one that was often infused with a sense of magical realism and deep philosophical inquiry.

In the post-Soviet era, Georgian cinema faced numerous challenges, including reduced funding and the need to adapt to the global market. However, the industry has witnessed a renaissance in recent years, with contemporary directors like Otar Iosseliani, who began his career in the Soviet era, and newer talents like George Ovashvili and Dea Kulumbegashvili gaining international attention. Ovashvili’s “Corn Island” and Kulumbegashvili’s “Beginning” are just two examples of recent successes that have brought Georgian cinema back into the global spotlight.