Can Georgia Become the Hollywood of the Caucasus?
Georgia, a captivating country nestled between Eastern Europe and Western Asia, is on a mission to become the cinematic hub of the Caucasus. With its rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture, Georgia is attracting the attention of the global film industry. But is it enough to challenge the dominance of Hollywood?
The nation's allure is multifaceted. From medieval churches to brutalist apartment blocks, and from sweeping mountains to Tarantino-inspired dive bars, Georgia offers a unique and diverse range of filming locations. The country's picturesque vineyards and majestic peaks have already left their mark on the silver screen. For instance, the Apple TV series 'Drops of God' showcased Georgia's natural beauty and rich wine culture, while the Bollywood film 'Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl' utilized the country's rugged terrain to evoke a sense of authenticity.
Tatia Bidzinashvili, director of Film in Georgia, a government-backed agency, believes in Georgia's potential. She states, 'Georgia wants to become the Hollywood of the Caucasus.' However, she acknowledges the misconception that Georgia is like Zimbabwe, emphasizing that the country is a modern and vibrant European nation.
Georgia's film industry has a strong foundation, dating back to the Soviet era when the state-owned Georgian Film Studio produced dozens of films annually. Today, the country offers robust financial incentives, including a 25% cash rebate on qualified costs, an established ecosystem of experienced crews, and a one-stop service for location scouting and permits. The country's eclectic urban and natural environments further enhance its appeal.
Irakli Makatsaria, a Georgian television presenter and producer, highlights Georgia's accessibility. He says, 'In Georgia, you can find snowy mountains, sunny beaches, or forests within a few hours' drive.' This versatility in landscapes makes Georgia an attractive destination for filmmakers seeking diverse settings.
However, Georgia's cinematic aspirations face challenges. The country's political instability under the leadership of Irakli Kobakhidze has raised concerns. Human rights advocates accuse the government of steering the country towards authoritarianism, stifling dissent, and intensifying pressure on opposition parties and independent media. The alignment with Russia, which has a history of military aggression, further complicates matters.
Anna Khazaradze, co-founder of 1991 Productions, shares her experiences. She mentions the arrest of friends and the reality of political protests, including the upcoming project 'Tear Gas,' a coming-of-age story about a 16-year-old girl caught in anti-government protests.
Despite these challenges, Georgia's centralized state and its eagerness to attract productions remain advantageous for filmmaking. Bidzinashvili provides an example of F9's car chase scene, where the city shut down a major avenue for nearly a week to accommodate the production's needs.
Georgia's proximity to Russia has also caused some foreign productions to be jittery. Makatsaria recalls filming 'Special Ops' near the border with Abkhazia, showcasing the country's ability to handle sensitive locations.
The country's complex history with Russia continues to inspire high-profile projects. The upcoming film 'Young Stalin' is a British-Georgian co-production, using Georgia as a backdrop to trace the early years of Joseph Stalin, a native Georgian whose rule had a dark impact on the 20th century.
Georgia's social conservatism has not deterred foreign productions from tackling polarizing social issues. However, LGBTQ+ films face distribution hurdles due to a 2024 law, which Human Rights Watch considers discriminatory. The film 'Crossing,' directed by Levan Akin, faced challenges in finding distributors in Georgia due to anti-LGBT sentiment.
Georgia's versatility extends beyond its urban and natural environments. It has served as a stand-in for various locations, such as Iraqi Kurdistan in the film 'Girls of the Sun,' where a decommissioned Soviet air base became a war-torn town.
Private Georgian companies now offer full pre- and post-production services, including equipment rental, props, and casting. However, producers note the challenge of finding large soundstages.
Georgia's warm hospitality culture, including historic villas converted into high-end lodgings, and its renowned cuisine, featuring dishes like khinkali and khachapuri, will undoubtedly attract Hollywood executives and A-list directors. The local culture's emphasis on hospitality, as Makatsaria mentions, will make Georgia a welcoming destination for the film industry.
