The debut short film Beginning by Georgian Director Dea Kulumbegashvili triumphed the International Film Festival in Trieste, Italy.

The award ceremony headed by Trieste Festival Artistic Directors Nicoletta Romeo and Fabrizio Grosoli was virtual. Dea Kulumbegashvili joined the ceremony online from Tbilisi. The jury member Paulo Berollini presented the festival’s award for the Best Film.

The Beginning was selected at the 2020 Cannes International Festival. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the film was shown later within the framework of a special edition.

The premiere of Beginning was held at the Toronto International Film Festival, where it won the prize of the International Federation of Film Critics (FIPRESCI).

The film won four prizes at San-Sebastian International Film Festival: Main Prize – Golden Sink, Best Director – Dea Kulumbegashvili, Best Actress – Ia Sukhitashvili, Best Scenario – Dea Kulumbegashvili, Rati Oneli.

The Beginning was shot in Lagodekhi Municipality with the support of the National Cinema Center. It is a Georgian-French co-production.

Trieste International Film Festival has been held since 1989. It is a leading Italian festival in Central and Eastern Europe.