Loco Films has secured sales rights for the Georgian film ‘Guria,’ selected as Georgia’s Oscar entry, ahead of its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival.
Loco Films has acquired sales rights for the Georgian drama Guria, directed by Levan Koguashvili. The film is set to premiere in the Spotlight section at the Venice Film Festival, announced on September 5, 2026, by Deadline. This acquisition forms a significant cultural milestone, as Guria has been selected as Georgia's entry for the 99th Academy Awards, representing hope and resilience from a nation still navigating its post-Soviet identity.
Set in Koguashvili's native region, the film follows Zuriko, a 45-year-old hazelnut farmer facing economic and personal struggles in a challenging environment. As he seeks better buyers for his hazelnut harvest, multi-layered narratives unfold; romantic entanglements complicate his life, primarily instigated by a good-natured friend. The film vividly portrays the realities of rural life, underscoring how relationships intertwine with survival in a post-Soviet landscape.
Koguashvili’s Guria not only highlights the resilience of characters in dire situations but also serves as a commentary on human dignity amidst hardship. The director describes the film as a 'natural cradle of tragicomedy,' emphasizing storytelling that is devoid of political agendas but rich in emotional depth. “My goal is to tell a genuine story,” Koguashvili remarked, inviting audiences to resonate with the authenticity of the characters.
Guria is the product of an extensive international collaboration involving creative partners from Georgia, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Bulgaria, Turkey, Norway, and Saudi Arabia. Key figures in its production include Olena Yershova, Koguashvili, and Boris Frumin. Laurent Daniélou, CEO of Loco Films, referred to Guria as a "marvellous Georgian comedy" that serves as a window into a complex post-Soviet world, blending warmth and humor in a poignant narrative.
As Guria approaches its Venice Film Festival premiere, industry insiders express enthusiasm about its potential impact. Koguashvili's past works, including Blind Dates and Brighton 4th, have garnered significant acclaim, raising expectations that Guria will resonate with both audiences and critics alike. The film arrives at a time when there is a growing interest in Georgian cinema on the global stage, propelled by stories that capture the authenticity of everyday life and the trials faced by ordinary people.
The acquisition of Guria marks a pivotal advancement for Georgian cinema and underscores the importance of international recognition at the Academy Awards. This film not only serves as an essential cultural narrative from Georgia but also illustrates the collaborative spirit of global filmmaking. It sets the stage for future projects from the region to gain prominence, as it navigates themes of resilience, humanity, and the complex interplay of personal relationships in everyday life. As audiences await its debut at the Venice Film Festival, Guria stands as a testament to the power of storytelling that transcends cultural borders.
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