Details of the new film by Mariam Khatchvani, Inherited Silence, continued from last week.
Mariam Chvimiani, main actress in the film: “As a non-professional, it was quite challenging for me to participate in a movie. My expectations were quite different, because, in reality, I couldn’t imagine that women really go through such a life as that shown in the film, In my life, I’ve never seen such actions and attitudes towards women, including indirect and direct violence. What I thought was just for the film, in the end became reality. Traditional gender roles, drinking, results of that, and so on. When I first read the script, I thought that it was stereotypical, but then I saw that many women live like it was portrayed. Mariam Khatchvani asked me to be in the film, but I had never thought of such a thing before!”
What was expected and what was a surprise for you?
I never expected what happened in one particular scene: people seated at the table for a feast, with real drinking and toasts, and even part of the cast [non-professionals] getting somewhat drunk… not pretending! Much else was as I expected.
What part stood out for you, a scene or emotion?
Towards the end, when the women are telling me to go back home, be tolerant and patient, to bear the violence my character had experienced. It seemed that the actresses themselves, some of them, had gone through similar things as my character had. They had also been told similar things in the same kinds of situation. Then, in the last scene, I am running. It felt real, and my emotions certainly were real. This seems to be a reality for many women [in Svaneti].
My character’s need of help was very different for the real me: I am quite independent, and she was a victim.
I don’t know what is next for me [in the world of film]. If I had more opportunities to continue, I would take them! It’s not in my comfort zone, but I do like to try new things.
Michelle Gagnon, co-producer: “I was asked to come on board towards the end, to help with funding post-production. There was a rough cut I got to see; but I knew that, as it was a Mariam Khatchvani film, I wanted to be in on it, being a fan of hers! Its themes of family violence against women (here, with a child too). I watched that cut and just knew. I also have a friend living in the mountains, in a similar situation. It’s not as easy to deal with as just getting up and leaving, children and all. I can’t change my friend’s situation, but I can help by raising awareness about domestic violence against women, and alcoholism as well, especially in this region of Georgia.
“One of the things I love about Mariam Khatchvani’s work is that the storytelling feels very simple; but you finishing watching, and suddenly you realize that this is a very complex situation; where does she go from here? It’s very powerful, and for a short film, it packs a punch and spotlights this issue, makes you think.”
What was the most surprising thing for you about the film?
I only came on at the end, and wasn’t part of the actual production process. It surprised me that Mariam was able to do so much- to film with a crew and cast of around 40 people total, on a very small budget, and with non-professional actors! Plenty about it was unpredictable with these factors. There was lots of room for improvisation, which Mariam embraced and ran with. In this it transcends fiction and gets into reality, how these people really think.
How will the film speak differently to men and to women? Especially local (Svan) people?
It will challenge attitudes around excessive drinking, despite ancient Georgian connections with wine, the feast, toast-making, the former shame about getting drunk, and so on. Much of the original traditions [adds Mariam Chkhvimiani] have been eroded. Drinking has become ugly. [Michelle Gagnon] Is current drinking culture not changing for the worse? [Mariam Chkhvimiani] Lack of a male heir is also a shame. There is pressure for couples, and men, to have a son. Living with one’s in-laws is also really a challenge, but a newly married couple should be alone to work things out.
[Michelle Gagnon] For women, these are complex realities, with no quick answers to the cultural norms. I hope that people, especially women, can take away a fresh perspective from the film. There are things which should be questioned, reflected on, and this is happening in this film.
Inherited Silence, AND The Mens Land, are currently on the festival circuits, and we wish them all the best. You can find out more about them by searching for them on www.imdb.com
Interview by Tony Hanmer
Tony Hanmer has lived in Georgia since 1999, in Svaneti since 2007, and been a weekly writer and photographer for GT since early 2011. He runs the “Svaneti Renaissance” Facebook group, now with over 2000 members, at www.facebook.com/groups/SvanetiRenaissance/
He and his wife also run their own guest house in Etseri: www.facebook.com/hanmer.house.svaneti
