First week of July the holiday finally starts and we are off to Svaneti region (north-west Georgia) to experience the well known and most recognised hiking trail from Mestia to Usghuli. The beginning of July is also a celebration for film fans who gather and visit the Karlovy Vary film festival. How does this go together?
You walk along the mountain town of Mestia and suddenly you spot the „Karlovy Vary globe“ in the window. Georgian film Dede, directed by Mariam Khatchvani was awarded East of the West Special Jury prize on the 52nd Karlovy Vary film festival.
My mum had seen the film last year while visiting the region for the first time and she recommnend to go and see it once we arrive to Usghuli, our final destination of the hike, shall be there in 4 days if everything goes well….
Amazing sceneries all the way from Mestia and we are finally here. Usghuli. The place where you find the spectacular stone fortified towers which used to be shelters for the families, aimed to save their lives from attacks and bloodshed which was fairly „popular“ and common in the region until 90´s of the last century. Tough region, tough climate, strong people and traditions. Beautiful place. Georgeus hike, some good folks on the way, but now time to see the movie in the local cinema. Had to wait a bit as there was no electricity. No wonder, in this hidden part of the world where the time has stopped some while ago.
„One woman. Three Men. Dina can challenge the harsh traditions of the deep Caucasus Mountains. But will her spirit survive?“ Movie based on the strong and true story of love which does not fall with wild and harming circumstances, opinion of others to follow…Filmed in the region with many local people starring in it. Very touching especially if you consider that all this happened here. You step out of the cinema and you spot the „actors“ outside walking, milking the cows, repairing the bridge or serving you diner…
The contrast of the red carpet and gala evening in Karlovy Vary with the smartly dressed film stars and other famous ones:-) during the closing ceremony and the real Usghuli cannot be more striking. Here you follow the unpaved road, where you step in the cow „pancake“ every 5 seconds as there are simply everywhere. You do not smell Dior parfums around. Flies attacking us permanently are a sign that we somehow belong here after the last couple of days hiking. Who would care about fancy dresses, we are lucky to take a shower and change the socks…. But it is place to be and to visit, place where your imagination opens and you are surrounded by the humbleness and modesty. You feel the respect for the dedication to live and the brave people that has been fighting here for centuries. Having experienced this, I do believe Ushguli is the best place you go and watch Dede if you have a chance, the place where you really appreciate and understand the story. Walking up there, you deserve it! But I am sure you would enjoy the movie anywhere as well. Let me know how you did like it once having seen it!
