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Kartli Kingdom: A Sanatorium's Long Goodbye
28 Nov
Summary
- Hundreds displaced by Abkhazia war found refuge in a derelict sanatorium.
- Residents have lived in long-term limbo for over 30 years.
- Negligence threatens the building's habitability, forcing another move.
A derelict sanatorium, ironically nicknamed 'The Kartli Kingdom,' has served as a long-term refuge for hundreds displaced by the 1992 Abkhazian war. For over three decades, this former cardiology hospital has been a home, capturing a poignant sense of slowed time and lives lived in limbo. Despite the melancholy, residents have cultivated a strong community spirit amidst the decay.
The film captures daily life, from intimate conversations to the challenges of decay and loss, including a resident's tragic death. Yet, moments of neighborly humanity and even a wedding celebration defy the pervasive atmosphere of stasis. This makeshift ecosystem, including stray animals, highlights the resilience of its inhabitants.
However, structural neglect, particularly a widening foundational crack, makes the sanatorium increasingly uninhabitable. The Georgian government's slow response to repair or aid exacerbates the residents' plight. Facing another collective move, they reflect wistfully on a sanctuary that has paradoxically become both a prison and a cherished home.
