Famed filmmaker David Lynch to launch cinema institute, film fest in Georgia

Esteemed American filmmaker David Lynch is in talks for opening a cinema institute and film festival in Georgia with his local partners, ahead of the celebrated director and producer's visit to the country next month.

Lynch, widely praised by critics and his peers for works including Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me and The Elephant Man, will collaborate with the newly established David Lynch Foundation Caucasus (DLFC) - a branch of the director's international organisation - for the two initiatives.

The moves include plans for establishing a cinematography institute and an "A-class" international festival in Georgia, with initial meetings already held between DLFC manager Giga Agladze and the Georgian parliament's education committee, ahead of the visit of the celebrated filmmaker.

Lynch and Agladze during the Los Angeles meeting this year. Photo: DLFC.

This is a great opportunity for Georgia to host the internationally renowned director and hold talks with his foundation about prospective cooperation avenues."

[The establishment of DLFC] will offer historic opportunities for developing Georgia's cinema industry as well as new projects in the education field [of the country]", said Chairperson of the Education, Science and Culture Committee of the Parliament of Georgia Mariam Jashi following the meeting with DLFC.

Agladze stressed the "close relations with the Hollywood and great directors", kick-started through the move, also telling the media "stars of the Hollywood" would soon travel to Georgia in frame of the initiative.

The projected launch of the international cinematography institute named after Lynch is aimed at turning the quality of country's filmmaking education into a regionally leading position, said a release by the committee.

Beside the projects for the institute and festival, the cooperation is also projected to include initiatives for the David Lynch Foundation's work on road safety and post-trauma rehabilitation internationally.

In line with meetings held during the visit of Lynch to Georgia, the films of the celebrated director will be screened to audiences.