Films by Nutsa Gogoberidze

We are showing Nutsa Gogoberidze's two films, which were long considered lost, and were only found and restored a few years ago, in one program.

Buba

People have been fighting for survival for centuries in the high mountain region of Racha. As soon as the meagre harvest is brought in, the men descend into the valley, leaving women and children behind for months at the mercy of dangerous nature. In her poetic documentary, Nutsa Gogoberidze overlaps the patriarchal order with images of a bright, technological future, rhythmized by a dynamic montage and impressive shots of nature's awe-inspiring force.

Ujmuri

Nutsa Gogoberidze's silent and only feature film UJMURI was banned after its premiere in 1934, which put an end to her career as a director. The swamps of the Georgian region of Mingrelia are to be drained, in order to combat malaria and cultivate the land. However, a local legend proves to be an obstacle to the modernization project. The goddess Ujmuri is said to live in the swamps and resist all intruders. A montage of contrasts, which effectively stages strong characters and harsh living conditions, marks the struggle between tradition and modernity. (al)