83rd Venice International Film Festival opens as Levan Koguashvili’s ‘Guria’ prepares for world premiere
Following the launch of the 83rd Venice Film Festival, director Levan Koguashvili’s new feature, Guria, is poised for its world premiere on 9 September within the prestigious Venice Spotlight lineup.
According to a statement released by the Ministry of Culture, only eight films were selected for this prestigious section this year.
Levan Dvali, Programme Director at the Georgian National Film Centre, confirmed that alongside the premiere, state-backed promotional events, a dedicated press screening, and an official reception will take place to spotlight both the film and Georgian cinema internationally.
“The 83rd Venice Film Festival marks a landmark moment for Georgian cinema, as it hosts the world premiere of Levan Koguashvili’s new feature, Guria. Beyond the main screening, we have arranged a Georgian reception, a special press screening, and state-supported promotional initiatives.
Expectations are high ahead of the international critical reception, following a wave of early coverage across major global film outlets. Furthermore, a major French distribution company has acquired the international sales rights. We are confident that Levan Koguashvili’s work will resonate powerfully, as Guria admirably upholds the finest traditions of Georgian filmmaking,” stated Levan Dvali.
The film was produced with the support of the Ministry of Culture of Georgia, the Georgian National Film Centre, Creative Georgia, the Georgian Public Broadcaster, and the state cash-rebate programme Film in Georgia.
Guria is an international co-production spanning seven countries: Georgia, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Bulgaria, Norway, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia. Boris Frumin, Levan Koguashvili, and Giorgi Kekelidze collaborated on the screenplay.
The Ministry of Culture also confirmed that the Georgian National Film Centre will officially submit Guria as Georgia’s entry for Best International Feature Film at the upcoming Academy Awards (Oscars).