The Banker’s Diaries – documentary film premiere at GPB First Channel’s “Illusion” cinema [Photo/Video]

The Banker’s Diaries is the title of the documentary film whose screening took place today at the Georgian Public Broadcaster (GPB) First Channel’s “Illusion” cinema.

The film’s director is Levan Akhobadze, with the screenplay written by Mikheil Basiladze, both of whom are employed at the Public Broadcaster’s documentary film studio. The work narrates the story of Georgia’s first governor of the National Bank, Iason Lortkipanidze, drawing on diaries he authored. The documentary explores how Georgia’s independent banking system was established, how the first Georgian currency, the bon, was introduced, and provides insight into the leadership qualities of Iason Lortkipanidze himself.

The film also shares the story of Iason’s son, Junker Niko Lortkipanidze. This documentary is dedicated to the 30th anniversary of Georgia’s national currency—the lari.

According to Tinatin Berdzenishvili, the Director General of GPB First Channel, it is symbolic to create such a documentary dedicated to two significant milestones: the 30th anniversary of the national currency and the 100th anniversary of the first broadcast.

“The 30th anniversary of the birth of our national currency, the lari, is a very significant date. Similarly, this year also marks the centenary of the first broadcast. These milestones belong to our country and to every citizen. Therefore, it is particularly meaningful that a documentary has been produced to honour these two important dates, excellently reflecting our nation’s history, culture, and heritage. It is also noteworthy that the National Bank has prepared a surprise for the Public Broadcaster; a coin will be issued featuring symbols of the Public Broadcaster. I am confident that viewers will appreciate this film in the best possible way,” remarked Tinatin Berdzenishvili.

As Vasil Maghlapheridze, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Georgian Public Broadcaster, stated, with the film about Iason Lortkipanidze, GPB First Channel’s documentary film studio continues to foster the nation’s collective memory, which will benefit the country.

“Today marked the premiere of a documentary film about Iason Lortkipanidze, the first governor and leader of the National Bank of Georgia. Through this film, GPB First Channel’s documentary studio continues its work in preserving national memory. The productions created by this studio are not commercial ventures; over time, they acquire increasing value and significance. These productions address a matter of great importance connected to our national identity. It is worth noting that two significant anniversaries, the 30th anniversary of the lari and the 100th anniversary of the Public Broadcaster, coincided this year. I am confident that such intellectual and cultural projects will continue, becoming more numerous and bringing lasting benefits to our country, ” remarked Vasil Maghlapheridze.

Furthermore, according to GPB First Channel Media Director Rusudan Manjgaladze, a portrait film about Iason Lortkipanidze has been produced, offering viewers many intriguing insights into his life.

“About a year ago, when the National Bank began preparations for the 30th anniversary of the national currency, the lari, we started considering what we could do. It was at that time that the idea arose to create a documentary about Iason Lortkipanidze. We know very little about the man who was the first governor of the National Bank, during whose tenure the first national currency was introduced, and who was also involved in organising the search for, and subsequent reburial of, Nikoloz Baratashvili’s grave. He also made significant contributions to the founding of the University of Georgia. We decided to produce a portrait film that captures his life and achievements. I believe our viewers will enjoy the film and discover many new and interesting insights,” said Rusudan Manjgaladze.

According to the film’s creator, Mikheil Basiladze, the documentary is entirely based on the voluminous diaries of Iason Lortkipanidze.

“In the diary, we can read about Georgia’s life during that period, but the main focus is on how the banking system was organised in Georgia, how the first state bank was established during the independence period, how the first payment instrument, the Georgian bon, was introduced into circulation, and the role Iason Lortkipanidze played in all of this,” noted Basiladze.

The National Bank’s President, Natia Turnava, expressed gratitude to GPB First Channel for the film.

“Many heartfelt thanks to the Public Broadcaster, its leadership and creative team, for considering our request and making a significant contribution to honouring the legacy of Georgia’s first central bank, the first governor of the state bank, Iason Lortkipanidze. An excellent documentary has been produced, which is of interest not only to those of us working in the financial sector or employees of the National Bank but to society as a whole. Previously, the general public had limited knowledge of Lortkipanidze’s life and achievements. I believe it will be a revelation for many to learn about the multifaceted nature of his work, whether it was his involvement in founding Tbilisi State University, leading the Literacy Promotion Society, or other significant initiatives. This year marks the 30th anniversary of our national currency, the lari, and we are dedicating several events to this milestone. One of the most notable is the creation and premiere of this documentary, which we are very proud of,” stated Natia Turnava.

The film’s television première will be broadcast on GPB First Channel on Saturday, September 20, at 19:30.