The National Film Center has released a statement regarding the screening of the film “And Then We Danced”.

As statement notes ‘Georgian National Film Center expresses concern over the announcement by extremist groups to disrupt premier of the movie in Georgian cinemas’. 

The National Film Center expresses support toward the creative group and cinema directors and urges both secular and clergymen to refrain from obstructing the screening of the film.

On November 8, 9 and 10 of 2019, the film “And Then We Danced ” will be premiered in Tbilisi and Batumi. The film is directed by Swedish filmmaker Levan Akin and featuring a cast of Georgian actors.

Prior to the premiere, Chairman of the Society for the Protection of Children’s Rights  Guram Palavandishvili, businessman Levan Vasadze and ‘Georgian March’ movement announced that they will go to the cinemas not to allow the screening of the film.

Georgian Orthodox Patriarchate considers the film to be unacceptable but claims that it dissociates itself from violence.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia released a statement regarding the screening of the film on October 6. MIA argues to ensure the protection of public safety and law, as well as, the freedom of expression that does not go beyond the law.

The Public Defender of Georgia called on the Ministry of Internal Affairs to take proactive preventive measures. “It is important that law enforcement agencies ensure the safety of both the LGBT+ community and the guests of the premiere” – the statement released by Public Defender’s Office reads.

‘And Then We Danced’, a 2019 Swedish-Georgian drama film directed by Levan Akin, will be presented at Oscar’s on behalf of Sweden. It will contend in the category of foreign film.