Petition Letter to the Europa Film Festival

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To the Europa Film Festival
March 6, 2025

Dear Europa Film Festival Team,

We, a group of Georgian emigrants and filmmakers, are deeply disappointed with your selection of Rusudan Glurjidze’s film The Antique for this year’s festival. This decision raises serious concerns due to the film’s political implications and Glurjidze’s affiliations.

Georgia is currently facing political unrest caused by the Russian-backed Georgian Dream party. Protests have erupted in Tbilisi, as the regime seeks to suppress freedoms, hinder Euro-Atlantic aspirations, and undermine Georgian independence. This backsliding began with censorship, with cinema being one of the first targets. The regime’s growing control has stifled creative expression, and the protesters have faced violent repression. At this critical moment, it is vital for global institutions like the Europa Film Festival to support those fighting for freedom and democracy in Georgia.

The Antique perpetuates subtle but clear propaganda that aligns with Russian interests. While it may seem innocuous, the film echoes harmful rhetoric that supports a regime responsible for immense suffering in Georgia and the region. By showcasing this film, the festival risks legitimizing this oppressive regime.

Director Glurjidze has failed to stand with the protesters against the new management of the Georgian National Film Centre (GNFC), which has aligned itself with the regime by acting as a censorship platform for arts and culture. Her silence, if not complicity, undermines those fighting for a free and independent Georgia. For more on this issue, we recommend reading Georgian Cinema Is in Danger: Filmmakers Take on the Culture Ministry.

Additionally, The Antique was selected by a jury that includes figures like Zaza Shatirishvili, whose misogynistic views and regressive agenda are concerning. The political motivations behind this selection raise serious doubts about the festival’s commitment to democratic values.

By including The Antique, the Europa Film Festival risks betraying its mission of promoting democracy, human rights, and social progress. We urge you to reconsider and use your platform to support films that challenge oppression, not those that serve autocratic interests.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Kind regards,

List of Signatories

Rusiko Kobakhidze - Researcher at Soviet Past Research Laboratory

Tbilisi, Georgia

rusokobakhidze@gmail.com

Natela Basishvili - Administrator

Arendo, Spain,

natelabasiashvili80@gmail.com

Tinatin Panchvidze - Art Historian

Melbourne, Australia

tinatinpan@gmail.com