Georgian Film 'Guria' Heads to Venice & Oscars

Levan Koguashvili's new drama, 'Guria,' is slated for its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival in the Spotlight section. This film has also been officially selected as Georgia's submission for the 2027 Academy Awards.

Set in the director's native western Georgia, 'Guria' centers on a 45-year-old hazelnut farmer named Zuriko. The narrative unfolds in a post-Soviet village, depicting Zuriko's struggles with economic pressures, his romantic life, and the often surreal circumstances of his existence.

The film portrays Zuriko's refusal to accept low prices from Italian buyers for his hazelnut harvest, prompting him to seek better opportunities. Concurrently, his friend Gela attempts to find him a suitable wife, facing disapproval from Zuriko's stern former mother-in-law.

Director Koguashvili describes 'Guria' as a story about ordinary individuals living through harsh conditions yet maintaining their humanity, characterizing the film as a tragicomedy. He views western Georgia not just as a setting, but as a state of mind, aiming to capture 'pure living' and 'pure cinema' without political agendas.