Merab (Levan Gelbakhiani) has been training Georgian dance together with his girlfriend (Ana Javakishvili) for years when a new dancer (Bachi Valishvili) makes an appearance… 

The love story may be familiar as young Merab realizes that he’s falling in love with the charming newcomer, opening a new world of passion, confusion and danger for him. But the setting is decidedly fresh for audiences, as the director explores his family’s Georgian roots and delivers both a touching romance (buoyed by a very strong lead performance) and a sincere, compelling and ultimately damning portrait of the nation’s destructive macho attitudes.

As always, it’s up to the individual to survive.

2019-Sweden-Georgia. 105 min. Color. Written and directed by Levan Akin. Editing: Levan Akin, Simon Carlgren. Cast: Levan Gelbakhiani (Merab), Bachi Valishvili (Irakli), Ana Javakishvili (Mary), Giorgi Tsereteli, Tamar Bukhnikashvili.

Last word: “In Georgia at the moment the young generation hates the traditional dance, music etc as it represents the oppressive patriarchal society they don’t want to be part of. With the film I show that this is part of my culture. I’m gay and I love it! At the same time I also feel a bit ashamed of the direction the country is taking. Georgia used to be tolerant, towards minorities, religions etc, but now there is a big movement saying that to be a true Georgian you have to be an Orthodox Christian! I do hope the film will make a difference.” (Akin, Nordisk Film & TV Fond)