Georgian cinema’s new gem: ‘Supporting Role’ by Ana Urushadze
A promising follow-up to ‘Scary Mother’
Georgian filmmaker Ana Urushadze, who made waves with her debut film Scary Mother, is back with her highly anticipated sophomore feature, Supporting Role. This new project is currently being showcased in the works-in-progress section of CineLink Industry Days at the Sarajevo Film Festival.
A journey of self-discovery
Supporting Role tells the story of Niaz, a once-famous star of Georgian cinema. His life takes an unexpected turn when he is offered a supporting role by a young female director. Accustomed to playing charming heroic protagonists, Niaz initially feels insulted by the offer. However, as he delves deeper into the character, he begins a bizarre and fatalistic odyssey of self-transformation, gradually accepting the role he has been given.
Inspiration from real-life experiences
Urushadze drew inspiration for the film from her own experiences during the auditions for Scary Mother. She recalls an elderly actor who was put off by the fact that she, a young and inexperienced girl, was the writer and director. This incident sparked her curiosity about the actor’s life and the reasons behind his hurt ego. This curiosity eventually led to the creation of Supporting Role.
Exploring themes of masculinity and change
As Urushadze delved into the character of Niaz, she uncovered various themes that she wanted to explore in the script. Among these were the exploration of masculinity and the struggle to find a place in a changing world. She also touched upon the plight of Georgian actors, many of whom lead sad lives with low salaries, poor health, and a scarcity of new roles.
A stellar cast
Veteran Georgian screen star Dato Bakhtadze, known for his roles in Crash and Ben-Hur, was cast as Niaz. Despite a 15-year hiatus, Bakhtadze’s portrayal of Niaz captures the essence of a man stuck in the past, unable to move on from a major trauma. Nata Murvanidze, who led Scary Mother, plays Niaz’s wife, while Elene Maisuradze takes on the role of Aza, the young director who inadvertently accelerates Niaz’s self-transformation.
A deeper look at Niaz’s journey
Urushadze describes Niaz’s journey as a downward trajectory in terms of his career and lifespan. However, she also notes that, throughout the film, Niaz is on an upward trajectory in terms of unveiling his true self and desires. This duality adds depth to the character and the overall narrative.
The making of ‘Supporting Role’
Supporting Role is produced by Davit Tsintsadze of Georgia’s Zazafilms, Ivo Felt of Allfilm in Estonia, Zeynep Atakan of Zeyno Film in Turkey, Andrey Epifanov of Cinetrain in Switzerland, Eleonora Granata Jenkinson of Melograno Films in the U.S., and Sophio Bedenashvili and Bacho Meburishvili of Enkeny Films and Dato Bakhtadze in Georgia. The film was shot on location in Georgia by Estonian cinematographer Rein Kotov, with funding from various organizations, including the Georgian National Film Center, Estonian Film Institute, Estonian Cultural Endowment, MEDIA Programme of Creative Europe, Eurimages, and Cinetrain.
A promising future for Georgian cinema
Urushadze’s debut film, Scary Mother, won the prize for best first feature film at the Locarno Film Festival and was Georgia’s entry for the 90th Academy Awards. The film received rave reviews, with critics praising its darkly daring and exhilaratingly offbeat nature. With Supporting Role, Urushadze continues to solidify her place as a prominent figure in Georgian cinema.
The Sarajevo Film Festival runs from August 16 to 23, providing a platform for filmmakers like Urushadze to showcase their work and connect with industry professionals.
For more information and to watch the trailer, visit Supporting Role.
Personal reflections for cinema enthusiasts
As a cinema enthusiast, it’s always exciting to see new voices emerging from different parts of the world. Ana Urushadze’s work is a testament to the rich storytelling tradition of Georgian cinema. Her ability to weave complex characters and themes into her narratives makes her films a must-watch. Supporting Role promises to be a thought-provoking exploration of identity, ego, and the ever-changing landscape of the film industry.
For those who appreciate in-depth character studies and films that challenge conventional narratives, Supporting Role is definitely one to look out for. The film’s exploration of masculinity and the struggle to adapt to a changing world is particularly relevant in today’s society, making it a timely and poignant piece of cinema.
As we eagerly await the release of Supporting Role, it’s worth revisiting Urushadze’s debut film, Scary Mother, to fully appreciate her unique storytelling style and the themes she continues to explore in her work.