After a referendum, Georgia declared independence from the Soviet Union on March 31, 1991. Trouble and chaos ensued almost immediately. The country experienced civil conflicts, secession wars, and economic hardships. Civility among the people was rare. Focusing on this era, brilliant writers and directors  Nana Ekvtimishvili and Simon Gross produced two extraordinary films. The two films were considered a sign of the rebirth of Georgian film. VARIETY selected Nana and Simon as the Ten Directors to Watch at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival,

Suggestion: Why not binge and watch these two films consecutively. Film critic Matt Fagerholm wrote, “Together they form one of the finest double bills in recent memory.” 

Coming Soon, Can’t Wait

News & Commentary

“According to an exclusive new study, anxiety over health and safety in public spaces still greatly outweighs the desire to leave home, and the disparity has only gotten larger as the pandemic has unfolded.” —Adam B. Vary, VARIETY

“Just as the country begins to open up, there has been a swing toward increasing caution, with the majority of Americans clearly saying NOT YET when it comes to attending large public events.” —Jed Pearsall, President, Performance Research.

I think the public will closely watch the school and college openings next month. If the virus appears after these openings, this will further deter people from returning to the cinemas.