The Short Film competition initiated by MAC Georgia and partnering with Chai Khana concluded with a powerful awards ceremony that not only celebrated exceptional filmmaking but also provided an important platform for the stories of individuals with disabilities and their families. With 39 films submitted, each showcasing unique perspectives on the challenges and triumphs of living with a disability, the competition was a reminder of the power of storytelling to foster inclusion, empathy, and change.
A distinguished jury selected the top 15 films from the submissions, which were then shown to the audience at the award ceremony. This year’s competition also featured a significant prize pool, with the first-place winner receiving 14 000 GEL, second-place winner being awarded 9000 GEL and the third-place winner earning 5000 GEL. These prizes underscore the competition’s dedication to supporting filmmakers who create authentic, diverse, and impactful narratives that challenge perceptions of disability and highlight the human experiences behind these stories.
All of the selected films are now available for viewing online, providing wider access to the powerful stories that were celebrated at the event. These films can be found on MAC Georgia and Chai Khana’s Facebook pages, as well as the Chai Khana YouTube channel, where viewers can enjoy them along with their synopses to better understand the context and themes behind each story.
First Place: “Purple, Pink and Brown” by Kristine Gogaladze
The first-place award went to Purple, Pink and Brown, a deeply emotional film directed by Kristine Gogaladze. The film follows 8-year-old Saba Dzandzava, one of 28 children attending the Center for Development and Wellbeing, “Home of the Future.” In this center, children with disabilities come together to learn, create, and explore, but they also experience isolation, fear, and vulnerability. Purple, Pink and Brown explores the emotional complexity of these children’s lives, shedding light on both their joys and their struggles. Through Saba’s journey, the film paints a poignant picture of the challenges faced by children with disabilities in a world that is not always understanding or accommodating.
Second Place: “sabawithwheels” by Niniko Lekishvili
In second place, sabawithwheels tells the story of Saba, a 30-year-old stand-up comedian who has been living with a disability for the past nine years. Directed by Niniko Lekishvili, this film captures Saba’s life through his comedic monologues, offering an honest, humorous, and thought-provoking look at the challenges faced by wheelchair users in Georgia. Saba’s wit and humor shine through as he addresses topics like accessibility, social attitudes, and the everyday barriers that individuals with disabilities face in their daily lives. Through his personal experiences and sharp observations, the film offers a unique perspective on the intersection of disability and comedy, demonstrating how humor can challenge perceptions and encourage empathy.
Third Place: “The Language of Birds” by Salome Sagharadze
The third-place award went to The Language of Birds, directed by Salome Sagharadze. This film follows Mindia, a young boy who has the unusual ability to understand birds but refuses to communicate with people. His strange behavior causes tension within his family, as his parents struggle to understand what his future holds. As their fears mount, the family’s emotional distress deepens. However, when it seems as though there is no hope for resolution, a surprising sign from the world helps the family find reconciliation and a new beginning. The film delicately explores themes of communication, fear, and the transformative power of empathy, offering a heartfelt exploration of how family dynamics can evolve when understanding is embraced.
A Celebration of Inclusive Cinema
The Short Film Competition on Disability has proven to be a significant moment for inclusive cinema, bringing together a carefully curated selection of films that challenge perceptions and celebrate the human experience. The competition, which featured a distinguished panel of jurors, sought to spotlight filmmakers who are telling authentic and diverse stories about disability. This year’s winners exemplified the competition’s commitment to rewarding excellence in filmmaking, with each of the top films offering unique insights into the lives of individuals with disabilities and their families. The prize pool, including the 14 000, 9 000 and 5 000 GEL awarded the three winning films, highlights MAC Georgia’s dedication to supporting and nurturing talented filmmakers who contribute to the growing conversation around disability and inclusion.
Through these films, MAC Georgia and Chai Khana have created a powerful space for voices that are often underrepresented, amplifying their stories and fostering greater understanding and inclusion. The competition serves as a reminder of the importance of diverse narratives in the film industry, and it has provided a platform for filmmakers who may not have otherwise had the opportunity to share their stories with a wider audience.
Deepening the Conversation
At the conclusion of the awards ceremony, the event featured a Q&A session that provided the audience with an opportunity to engage directly with the filmmakers. This interactive segment allowed attendees to ask questions about the creative process, the inspiration behind the films, and the filmmakers’ visions for how their work could contribute to changing societal perceptions of disability. The filmmakers offered valuable insights into the challenges and rewards of creating inclusive cinema, sharing personal stories and reflections on their experiences in the industry. The Q&A session created an open dialogue between the filmmakers and the audience, encouraging deeper understanding and appreciation of the stories being told.
Watch the Films
For those who missed the award ceremony or would like to revisit the films, all the selected films are available for online viewing. Visit the Chai Khana YouTube channel or the MAC Georgia and Chai Khana Facebook pages to watch the films, each accompanied by a detailed synopsis. These films not only offer artistic and emotional depth but also challenge audiences to reconsider their perceptions of disability, accessibility, and inclusion.
Through the Short Film Competition on Disability MAC Georgia and Chai Khana continue to create a space where stories of people with disabilities are not only heard but celebrated. The collaboration between these two organizations plays a pivotal role in raising awareness, breaking down barriers, and creating a more inclusive world where everyone’s voice is valued.
As the competition continues to grow, it promises to be an essential platform for filmmakers who are pushing boundaries, telling diverse and impactful stories, and contributing to the movement for greater representation and inclusion in cinema.
