Levan Koguashvili’s “Guria” set for world premiere at 83rd Venice Film Festival

Levan Koguashvili’s “Guria” will have its world premiere on Wednesday in the Venice Spotlight section of the 83rd Venice International Film Festival, with only eight films selected for this year’s lineup, Georgia’s Ministry of Culture said.

The world premiere will be accompanied by a Georgian reception, a special press screening and a series of events aimed at promoting the film and Georgia internationally, according to the ministry.

“The 83rd Venice Film Festival is particularly significant for Georgian cinema, as Levan Koguashvili’s new film ‘Guria’ will have its world premiere here”, Levan Dvali, Director of Programs at the Georgian National Film Center, said.

“We also have high expectations for the response from international film critics, as information about the film has already been published several times in leading international media outlets. In addition, one of the major French companies has taken on the film’s international sales”, Dvali said.

“I believe Levan Koguashvili’s work will receive a strong response, as ‘Guria’ can confidently be said to continue the traditions of Georgian cinema in a worthy manner”, he added.

“Guria” was produced with the support of Georgia’s Ministry of Culture, the Georgian National Film Center, Creative Georgia, the Georgian Public Broadcaster and the “Film in Georgia” state program.

The film is a co-production between seven countries - Georgia, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Bulgaria, Norway, Turkey and Saudi Arabia. Its screenplay was written by Boris Frumin, Levan Koguashvili and Giorgi Kekelidze.

The Georgian National Film Center will also submit “Guria” as Georgia’s candidate for the Best International Feature Film category at the Academy Awards.