Georgian film festival in Kazakhstan raises funds for Tbilisi flood victims

About $135,000 USD (more than 300, 000 GEL) has been raised in Kazakhstan to assist the hundreds of people affected by the devastating flood in Georgia's capital Tbilisi.

Kazakhstan’s largest city, Almaty, hosted a week of Georgian cinema to raise money for the cause. The event’s program included the Oscar-shortlisted film Tangerines by Zaza Urushadze, as well as The Other Bank and Corn Island by Giorgi Ovashvili. All of these three films have been created recently.

Meanwhile the Kazakh audience also enjoyed classical Georgian films Blue Mountains, or the Incredible Tale by Eldar Shengelia, The First Swallow by Nana Mchedlidze and Melodies of Vera Quarter by Giorgi Shengelia.

In addition, a photography exhibition titled Spectacular Georgia was held, which presented works reflecting the landscapes, cultural heritage and new architectural structures of Georgia.

A total of $10,000 was raised at the event.

Meanwhile, Kazakh airline Air Astana donated $30,000 and Georgia’s Honorary Council Mikheil Sebua transferred $50,000 to the Tbilisi flood victim fund.

Earlier this week an additional $45,000 was raised in Kazakhstan for the Tbilisi flood victims. Georgia’s Foreign Minister noted Kazakhstan would also send humanitarian aid for the flood victims.

The major flood hit Tbilisi overnight on June 13. The loss inflicted by the disaster is understood to exceed 100 million GEL and about 400 people from 80 families were affected by the flash flood.