A Georgian tale of resilience: ‘The Antique’ premieres at Venice Film Festival
A new chapter in Georgian cinema
Georgian filmmaker Rusudan Glurjidze returns to the cinematic stage with her second feature film, The Antique. Premiering at the Venice Film Festival in the Venice Days sidebar, this film promises to captivate audiences with its poignant narrative and historical depth. The international sales rights have been acquired by MPM Premium, signaling a promising global reach for this compelling story.
A journey through time and borders
Set around 18 years ago in Russia, The Antique follows the life of Lado, a young Georgian man entangled in the risky business of smuggling antique furniture from Georgia to Russia. His girlfriend, Medea, frustrated by his immaturity, decides to take control of her life by purchasing an apartment in St. Petersburg’s historic center. The catch? The apartment comes with its current owner, Vadim Vadimich, an old-fashioned and opinionated character.
As the story unfolds, the backdrop of the deportation of thousands of Georgians from Russia adds a layer of tension and urgency. Lado is caught and deported, the antique warehouse is raided, and Medea finds herself hiding in a wardrobe, encapsulating the chaos and fear of the time.
Overcoming obstacles in filmmaking
Glurjidze reveals that The Antique might be one of the last films shot in Russia by foreign filmmakers, completed despite significant challenges. The Russian Ministry of Culture demanded the removal of multiple scenes, leading to a standoff with the Georgian team. The situation escalated to the point where film material was confiscated at the border. Fortunately, two copies were saved, allowing the film to be completed and eventually premiered.
A director’s vision
Glurjidze’s directorial debut, House of Others, premiered in 2016 and won the Grand Prix at the Karlovy Vary Film Festival. It was also Georgia’s candidate for the 89th Academy Awards for Best Foreign Language Film. In her previous work, Glurjidze explored the complex political landscape of Georgia, shedding light on themes often obscured in Western Europe. House of Others delves into the haunting aftermath of the 1992-1993 war in Abkhazia, exploring the fractured lives of two families against a backdrop of conflict.
In The Antique, Glurjidze continues to tackle difficult themes, portraying the brutal and unlawful deportation of her compatriots through the lives of four central figures: Medea, Vadim Vadimich, Lado, and Peter. The film intertwines fiction with stark reality, addressing the intricate and often painful realities of immigration while presenting a raw depiction of Russia’s imperial cruelty.
A stellar cast and production team
The film features a talented cast, including Salome Demiura, Sergey Dreyden, and Vladimir Vlovichenkov. The producers behind this ambitious project are Zurab Magalashvili, Manana Shevardnadze, Andrey Epifanov, Tanya Petrik, Jussi Myllyniemi, Uschi Feldges, Ansgar Frerich, Eva Kemme, and Tatiana Detlofson.
The lead production company is Cinetech, with co-production companies Cinetrain, Whitepoint Digital, and Basis Berlin Filmproduction.
A personal reflection
As a cinema enthusiast, The Antique resonates deeply with me. The film’s exploration of historical and political themes through personal stories is a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit. The characters’ struggles and triumphs reflect broader societal issues, making the film both a personal and universal experience.
For those interested in exploring this film further, you can watch the trailer and find more information on the The Antique.
Final thoughts
The Antique is more than just a film; it’s a testament to the power of storytelling in shedding light on historical injustices and human resilience. Glurjidze’s dedication to her craft and her ability to navigate the challenges of filmmaking in a politically charged environment is truly inspiring. This film is a must-watch for anyone interested in cinema that challenges, educates, and moves its audience.