Georgia
Georgia Delegation
September 25 - October 12, 2009
Filmmaker: Deborah Dickson, Another Day In Paradise
Expert: Sandra Ruch
Delegate Report
by Deborah Dickson
Batumi
Friday September 25, Batumi, Georgia
American Documentary Showcase Film Workshop. Georgia. 2009
American Documentary Showcase Film Workshop. Georgia. 2009
I arrived at the airport where I was greeted by Cynthia Whittelsey from the US Embassy (check spelling) and Sandra Ruch, who had arrived minutes before. We drove to the hotel and checked in and then met with Cynthia and GigI Guledani (Gigi). Afterwards, we went to the Batumi Film Festival,
Sandra and Cynthia W. at Batumi Film Festival
San Remo restaurant on black sea
The first night, we were taken to dinner at a restaurant on the black sea.
We stayed in Batumi for the next three days, where we attended the festival and showed films from the showcase.
The University building where we showed showcase films during festival.
When we showed Another Day in Paradise, a lot of people showed up. They asked lots of interesting questions and there was a lively discussion about war.
We met many Georgian filmmakers, including Michael __ and his wife. Michael’s six short films were shown as part of a special tribute.
Young women who wish to be filmmakers talk with Sandra and me.
Salome __ (left) and others on a panel after screening of her film, Speechless.
Tuesday, September 29
ASandra and Cynthia W. at Batumi Film Festival
We departed Batumi on Tuesday. I went with Gigi and Saul Hernandez and Gia (driver) via the southern route through the mountains, while Sandra and Keti and Rachel took the northern route.
At one point, we didn’t think we were going to make it across a stream which was coursing over the road. But we did. Gia’s driving was excellent.
As we traveled higher into the mountains, the temperature kept dropping until it was 32 F and it started snowing.
At one point, it was a complete white out.
Alkahisi
It took us quite a bit longer than expected, but when we reached Alkahisi, everyone was waiting for us. They applauded when we walked in!
Students in the cinema at Alkahisi
Since the films had not been sub-titled and the audience was mostly young students, we decided to show Beginning Filmmaking and Hobart's Shakespeare. They loved the first but Hobart's Shakespeare was too word-driven for their rudimentary English. However, they were incredibly enthusiastic and asked for our autographs and e-mail addresses afterwards.
That night we stayed in a hotel that was so cold I slept in my clothes and my leather jacket under two down comforters!
Halshuri
Wednesday, September 30
Students in Tibilisi workshop
In Halshuri we showed Project Kashmir, on the advice of Gigi. But since there were no subtitles, the younger students were extremely restless and their teacher wisely let them leave.
The adults were very moved by film. The woman next to me was wiping away tears.
Afterwards, we delivered books and a computer from the US Embassy to the American Corner. Notice the American Documentary Showcase poster on the door.
That evening we drove to Tibilisi.
Tibilisi
Thursday, October 1-4
Students in Tibilisi workshop
Sandra speaking with Director of Georgian Film School.
The students came from both the film school and the journalism school and were incredibly eager for information and skills.
We showed them some of my films and then gave them a film production exercise. While one half of the class was shooting, the other half learned and practiced interviewing.
They interviewed each other about the war and where they’d been at the time. It was very moving and I think they felt it was a valuable lesson not only in the art of interviewing but emotionally.
Our last day was sweet and sad. We’d grown close in 4 short days and no-one wanted it to end.