Tear Gas Captures Georgia’s Anti-Government Protests as a Powerful Act of Resistance
Elene, a 16-year-old girl, and her war-scarred family find themselves amidst a mass protest in Tbilisi, transforming the streets of Georgia’s capital into a battleground for freedom. This situation compels them to confront the internal conflicts that threaten to tear their family apart. The film, Tear Gas, directed by Uta Beria, is a unique blend of fiction shot within the context of real demonstrations.
The movie is set to have its world premiere on August 12 as part of the Filmmakers of the Present competition at the 79th edition of the Locarno Film Festival. This festival is known for showcasing innovative and impactful films from around the globe.
Awards and Recognition
Tear Gas has already garnered attention, winning two awards at the International Film Festival Rotterdam’s IFFR Pro industry section last year. It received the inaugural HBF Empowerment Award, valued at €10,000, with the jury praising its urgent themes of freedom of expression and political tension. Additionally, it won the Outward Gaze Award, another €10,000 honor from the PJLF Arts Fund.
Produced by Nino Chichua, Anna Khazaradze, and Beria, with co-producers including Guillaume Dreyfus and Delphine Schmit, Tear Gas features a cast that includes Taisia Eradze, Mzia Arabuli, Gaga Shishinashvili, Kato Kalatozishvili, and Boris Andronikashvili. The cinematography is handled by Goga Devdariani, and the editing is done by Nodar Nozadze.
The Significance of the Title
Beria emphasizes the deeper meaning behind the film’s title. He states, “Tear gas is a weapon created to disperse us, tear us apart, make us cry, and restrict our breathing. But in reality, when you inhale it and panic takes over, you instinctively begin fighting for what is most precious to you.”
In Tbilisi, tear gas is frequently deployed by police to disperse anti-government protests that have persisted for over 600 days. Protesters fear that the Republic of Georgia is veering toward an authoritarian regime similar to Russia’s, jeopardizing their aspirations for a Western-style democracy and membership in NATO and the EU.
The Context of Protests
One of the key symbols of the protesters’ fear and anger is the so-called Foreign Agents Law, often referred to as “the Russia law.” This legislation is perceived as mirroring a law enacted by Russian President Vladimir Putin, which has facilitated crackdowns on civil society.
Ahead of the film’s premiere, Beria discussed the challenges of shooting in real anti-government demonstrations. He noted that the situation in Georgia is dire, complicating funding efforts and leading to stricter regulations from the Georgian Film Center. He remarked, “My colleagues think that maybe my film is one of the last independent projects because the situation is very tough now.”
Institutional Challenges
Beria revealed that the film faced institutional pressure. After securing a contract with the Georgian National Film Center (GNFC) in December 2022, the production team delivered the first-stage accounting and audit on time. However, the second stage of financing was never disbursed, despite multiple requests over 18 months. Beria stated, “Despite their efforts to hinder the production, we managed to complete the film. We cut the budget, raised the remaining funds ourselves, and finished the film.”
After the GNFC learned of the film’s premiere at Locarno, the production team received a threatening letter from the institution, which stated that they would not consent to a public screening and referred to a potential financial sanction of 10 percent of the contract value.
Premiere and Future Prospects
Despite these challenges, the premiere at Locarno is set to proceed. The festival’s chief communications officer confirmed that all filmmakers must affirm they hold the relevant rights to their films, a requirement met by the producers of Tear Gas. The premiere is scheduled for August 12, 13, and 14.
Beria noted that while the film has been completed, it faces ongoing financial pressures. The unpredictability of shooting amid real-life demonstrations presented significant challenges. He explained, “You go to shoot with a script for the actors. Usually, you have a plan. But in the demonstrations, we had a plan A, plan B, plan C, plan D.”
Navigating Danger
Beria acknowledged the inherent dangers of filming in such volatile environments. He stated, “Of course, it was very dangerous, especially when the police were dispersing people with the use of tear gas, which happened almost every day.” The crew took precautions to ensure the safety of the actors while continuing to capture footage.
Communication during the protests proved difficult. Beria opted against using walkie-talkies to avoid being mistaken for protest organizers, a decision made in light of the authorities’ crackdown on perceived organizers. Instead, the team utilized flags to maintain visual contact in the chaotic environment.
The Impact of the Film
Beria expressed hope that Tear Gas would raise awareness of the situation in Georgia. He described the film as an act of resistance, stating, “Some of my friends and colleagues are in prison. I can’t free them. But I could put all of myself into this film.”
He remains uncertain about potential repercussions for his work, noting that the current political climate allows for arbitrary arrests. “They don’t need a reason to put you into prison anymore in Georgia,” he said.
Beria concluded by highlighting the bravery of his crew, expressing gratitude for their commitment under extraordinary circumstances. He believes that the film’s title encapsulates a powerful message about unity in the face of adversity. “Tear gas is a strange weapon. It’s created to disperse us, to tear us apart. But in reality, when you inhale it, you start to instinctively fight for the things that are precious to us.”
As reported by www.hollywoodreporter.com.
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Published on 2026-08-10 11:01:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk