Levan Tutberidze
Georgia- Levan Tutberidze - Georgian film director, screenwriter, and actor
- Choosing the Moscow Film Festival
- Reactions to the Premiere
- The Making of "I Can't Live Without You"
- The Characters and Themes in the Film
- Working with Actors
- Influences and Style
- The Future and Upcoming Projects
Levan Tutberidze - Georgian film director, screenwriter, and actor
Levan Tutberidze is a Georgian film director, screenwriter, and actor known for his romantic and poetic style of filmmaking. He started his career in the 90s when Georgian cinema experienced a shift towards more gritty and problem-focused films. Tutberidze's films often explore themes of crime and darkness, reflecting the harsh realities of post-Soviet Georgia.
Choosing the Moscow Film Festival
When asked about why he chose the Moscow Film Festival for the world premiere of his latest film "I Can't Live Without You," Tutberidze explained that it was the first festival that seemed suitable after the completion of the film. Waiting for bigger festivals like Berlin or Venice would have taken too long, and there was no guarantee that the film would be selected. Tutberidze saw the Moscow Festival as a serious platform that was gaining prominence again, and he didn't want to miss the chance to showcase his film there.
Reactions to the Premiere
Tutberidze expressed mixed feelings about the audience and critical reception of his film at the Moscow Festival. While there were positive reviews and kind words from journalists and critics, there were also cynical and misinterpreted articles. Tutberidze was surprised by a particular article that claimed his film was influenced by American and Japanese cinema, as he had never intended to create a mix of different cinematic styles. He believes his film has more European influences, with elements of French and Italian cinema.
The Making of "I Can't Live Without You"
"I Can't Live Without You" was a film that took a long time to make due to financial difficulties. Tutberidze started filming in 2007 but faced challenges during post-production, including the war in Ossetia and the global financial crisis. However, with the support of various studios, producers, and the Kalatozov Foundation, Tutberidze managed to complete the film. It took a total of 42 days to shoot, but the post-production process was delayed for two years.
The Characters and Themes in the Film
The film revolves around two characters who exist in parallel worlds. They are driven by their ambitions and a desire for revenge, leading them to play with fate. Tutberidze describes the film as a story about chance, love, and friendship. He believes that the characters' ambitions, which ultimately lead to their downfall, serve as a cautionary tale. The film also explores themes of fate, religion, and the consequences of following one's ambitions.
Working with Actors
Tutberidze enjoys working with both established and young actors. He believes it's important to find the right actor who fits the character, regardless of their fame. He emphasizes the need to stay within the boundaries of the character and not let the actors deviate from the intended portrayal. Working with actors requires a delicate balance between guidance and collaboration to bring the characters to life.
Influences and Style
Tutberidze grew up in a cinematic family and was exposed to both American and Russian classics, which shaped his knowledge and understanding of filmmaking. However, he never aimed to consciously imitate any particular style or film. Instead, he believes that the style of a film depends on the artist, the script, and the specific moment of filmmaking. Tutberidze acknowledges the similarities between his films and European cinema, and he appreciates the comparison.
The Future and Upcoming Projects
Tutberidze has an upcoming project titled "Barbarian," a screenplay by Ako Morchiladze. The film is set to start production at the end of the year and is expected to be stylistically different from his previous works. It will tell a small story set in the mountains, exploring new themes and narratives. Tutberidze is excited about this project and looks forward to bringing it to life.
Overall, Levan Tutberidze is a talented Georgian filmmaker whose films combine social issues with poetic storytelling. His works have been well-received, and he continues to explore new themes and styles in his filmmaking career.
