Filmmaker George Ovashvili receives France’s top culture medal
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Award-winning Georgian filmmaker George Ovashvili has joined a stellar list of recipients of France's top civilian award after he was decorated with the country's Order of Arts and Letters on Tuesday.
Ovashvili received this year's award from Ambassador of France to Georgia Pascal Meunier at the diplomat's residence in Georgia's capital Tbilisi.
The honour was bestowed upon the film director in recognition of his contribution to the French and international arts, based on a decision by the Minister of Culture of France Audrey Azoulay.
France's ambassador Pascal Meunier (C) was joined by Georgia's Culture Minister Mikheil Giorgadze (second from right), officials and cinema professionals in honouring Ovashvili's award. Photo from Nana Dolidze/Facebook.
At the award ceremony, Ambassador Meunier was joined by Georgia's Minister of Culture and Monument Protection Mikheil Giorgadze, diplomatic corps and cinema professionals to honour Ovashvili's decoration.
Ovashvili's work in cinema has involved a number of collaborations with French film agencies and organisations over the years.
Examples of cooperation include one of Georgian director's best known works Corn Island, which won the Grand Prix of the prestigious Karlovy Vary International Film Festival in 2014.
Ovashvili was awarded the Grand Prix of the 2014 Karlovy Vary International Film Festival for his feature 'Corn Island', produced with co-financing from France. Photo/Georgian National Film Centre.
Produced with co-financing from France, the feature film received awards from dozens of international festivals.
It was also selected on the shortlist of feature films competing for the 2015 Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.
The Order of Arts and Letters was established by France's Ministry of Culture in 1957. The award features three degrees: Knight of the Order, Officer of the Order and Commander of the Order.
Recipients of the award include American author Ray Bradbury, Australian film actress Cate Blanchett and French filmmaker Catherine Breillat.
As well as Ovashvili, recipients of this year's honour include Danish actor Mads Mikkelsen, Finnish author Rosa Liksom and Danish filmmaker Thomas Vinterberg.
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