Batumi hosts International Art-House Film Festival

Georgia’s seaside city of Batumi is being transformed into a film festival celebrating local and foreign cinematography.

Filmmakers and guests are invited to enjoy an eight-day celebration at the Batumi International Art-House Film Festival this month.

From September 13-20 renowned filmmakers will gather to exchange ideas, practices and experiences by introducing and presenting not only the work they have done but also to discuss future plans for the industry.

The festival was first established in 2006 with a goal to popularise local cinema, develop a cultural relationship and exchange experience between Georgian and foreign cinematographers.

From next week master classes will be open to all interested guests, enriching them with professional knowledge and practice of experienced filmmakers in the field.

The festival will include an awards ceremony, where an international jury will be divided into groups to assess a range of international films across three categories:

• Feature Film;
• Documentary Film; and
• Short Film

A winner will be selected from each category, while additional prizes will be awarded, including the Lifetime Achievement award for a Georgian cinematographer and Lifetime Achievement award for a Foreign cinematographer.

Guests are also encouraged to attend the non-competition section of Georgian Panorama where five Georgian films will be screened.

At the festival guests will have an opportunity to meet some the most highly regarded film industry experts including Georgian actor Merab Ninidze, German actress Nastassya Aglaia Kinski, Georgian film director Lana Gogoberidze, Georgian-French film maker Otar Iosseliani and others.

For further information about tickets to the International Art-House Film Festival click here.