Tbilisi International Film Festival in Focus

The 12th annual Tbilisi International Film Festival (TIFF) opens with Faust directed by Alexander Sokurov today. The festival, organized by the Prometheus Cinema Art Centre, traditionally presents the latest and best works of European, American and Georgian cinematography at Amirani cinema from December 6 to 11. Offering cinemagoers a unique opportunity to enjoy the films of eminent directors like Leos Carax, Francois Ozon, Roy Anderson, Liv Ullimann, Mike Lee, Alexander Sokurov and others, the festival also promises master classes from participating film directors, producers and actors of TIFF.

A Swedish program entitled From Sweden with Love with nine Swedish premiers would make Sweden the festival’s larger contributor. “It’s a very broad program with nine great movies on a variety of topics and I’m sure the Georgian audience will enjoy it,” Diana Janse Ambassador of Sweden to Georgia told The Messenger. “TIFF is an indivisible part of Georgian cultural life with its interesting program,” Neka Sebiskveradze Chairwoman of Tbilisi Cultural Events said promising that the cinemagoers would enjoy themselves during the festival. Manana Suradze representative of the National Film Center emphasized the importance of the festival for Georgian cinematography and welcomed the active cooperation among various countries hoping to broaden its horizons in future.

Founded in 2000, TIFF has become one of the most important cultural events of the country. Providing deeper understanding and appreciation of artistic cinema, TIFF also promotes and inspires young filmmakers with screenings, retrospectives and various show cases for supporting their talent and creative vision. Making TIFF the meeting place for the South Caucasus filmmakers, international producers and distribution companies festival organizers are supported by Tbilisi City Hall, Embassy of Sweden to Georgia, the US Embassy to Georgia, the National Film Center, Goethe Institute, French Institute and British Council.

At a press conference held on Friday, Gilles Carasso Director of the French Institute emphasized the importance of the festival for the cultural life of Georgia enabling everyone to see very good films. Promising that neither of the French films presented at the festival would be boring Carasso expressed his happiness to be a partner of the event. Stephen Wackwitz, Director of the Goethe Institute, was also proud of his cooperation with the TIFF welcoming the best selection of contemporary German films.

Tickets for the 12th International Film Festival are available at Amirani cinema for a symbolic price so that cinemagoers can easily and cheaply enjoy the films until the end of the festival on December 11.