Issue no: 1149 • MAY 10 - 13, 2019 • PUBLISHED TWICE WEEKLY PRICE: GEL 2.50

In this week’s issue... FOCUS Machalikashvili Predicts ON BUILDING PEACE His Detention over Alleged On the forum 'SDG Plotting of Terror Attack Generation: How to Turn Goals into Achievements' - NEWS PAGE 2 youth breaking stereotypes PAGE 7 UN Workshop Focuses on Sustainable Development Goals POLITICS PAGE 4 , Stop Wasting Time! POLITICS PAGE 5 The Terroirist Wine Club

BUSINESS PAGE 6 Exhibition New Dispute about Rustavi 2 Launched at TBC Gallery CULTURE PAGE 8 GWS Introduces a TV Causes Mixed Reactions Refreshed Label for Its BY THEA MORRISON Premium Wine Brand TAMADA new court dispute has been started against the opposition-minded Rustavi 2 TV by the owner of 9% of company shares, Nino Nizharadze, who is asking for GEL 26 million Afrom the Director General and other sharehold- ers for the “damage caused to the company.” The Director General of the TV channel, Nika Gvaramia, claims the authorities stand behind the lawsuit, adding this is a fi ght “against Geor- gian democracy and freedom of speech.” Gvaramia stressed that the government and the founder and Chair of the ruling party Georgian Dream, Bidzina Ivanishvili, wants the TV Company to be broken in order to “silence the critical voice.” He is sure the TV company will overcome the challenge, adding broadcasting has been switched CULTURE PAGE 9 to an emergency mode. Photo source: news.ge This is not the fi rst dispute against Rustavi 2 the TV channel, fi led a lawsuit claiming his total shares of the broadcaster. The following TV, which is often affi liated with the former rul- shares had been illegally taken from him by the day, the European Court of Human Rights sus- International Kolga ing party, the United National Movement, estab- UNM. pended enforcement of the verdict. lished by ex-President Mikheil Saakashvili. In March 2017, after the case passed all the Nino Nizharadze is a wife of the former direc- Photo Festival Held for 91% shares of the company are owned by broth- instances of the court system in the country, the tor of the channel, Gogi Gegeshidze, who received ers Levan and Giorgi Karamanishvili. However, Grand Chamber of the Supreme Court of Geor- the company's shares after Gegeshidze's death. 18th Time in Georgia in 2015, Kibar Khalvashi, a former co-owner of gia ruled in favor of Khalvashi and gave him the Continued on page 5 CULTURE PAGE 11 GEORGIA TODAY 2 NEWS MAY 10 - 13, 2019 Machalikashvili Predicts His Detention over Alleged Plotting of Terror Attack

“The investigation into the case has BY THEA MORRISON been launched on the basis of Malkhaz Machalikashvili’s public statement con- taining a threat on May 31, 2018, accord- alkhaz Machalikashvili, ing to which he and the persons accom- father of 19-year-old panying him made a vow to penetrate Temirlan, who was the building of the SSS and blow them- killed during a special selves up,” the statement says. operation in Pankisi The agency also released an audio GorgeM in 2017, thinks he will be soon recording of a phone conversation arrested on charges of plotting a terror between Machalikashvili and his nephew. attack. The SSS says evidence showed a terror- The man denies the accusation and ist act was planned in the Zemo claims that if he is arrested, his wife will Machkhaani village of the Dedophlist- continue the protest rallies launched in skaro region, at the grave of late father May 2018 seeing tents set up in front of of Ioseb Gogashvili, former fi rst deputy the Parliament Building in Tbilisi to head of the State Security Service. The demand a “fair investigation” of their plot, if successful, would have injured son’s murder. or taken Gogashvili and others’ lives. “I demand the punishment of my son’s “It is confi rmed that on March 23, 2019, killer. This crime was committed by the Malkhaz Machalikashvili himself State. They are doing their best to destroy instructed Moris Machalikashvili to me, but this will not happen,” Macha- abandon any other activities and work likashvili said, adding he has been using only on one person: Ioseb Gogashvili. only legal ways to fi nd justice. Moris Machalikashvili was to identify Image source: ghn.ge “I have been standing in the center of the residential addresses of Ioseb Gogash- Tbilisi for nine months. If I pose a threat vili, his travel routes, and he was tasked Machalikashvili is a “potential terror- venting the crime during the preparation will be followed by proper legal steps,” to the country, if I am a terrorist, why to travel to the cemetery in order to ist.” process ... Such actions are not unusual he added. have not they detained me so far? They establish the location of the grave of “The Prosecutor's Offi ce should also for Malkhaz Machalikashvili. He has ties Temirlan Machalikashvili was wounded call me a terrorist due to the remarks I Gogashvili’s father and take pictures, on pay attention to those people, politicians, with terrorist groups such as Chatayev’s in Duisi village in his own bed on Decem- made in an emotional moment two the basis of which, Malkhaz Machalikash- NGO representatives, some pseudo- group,” he said, referring to terrorist ber 26, 2017. On January 10, he died in months ago,” he explained. vili would have planned other activities,” journalists, who were deliberately pre- Ahmet Chatayev who was liquidated hospital. The State Security Service of Georgia the SSS says. paring Malkhaz Machalikashvili to com- with his group by law enforcers in Georgian law-enforcers claim that (SSS) made a statement two days ago, say- Moris Machalikashvili has already been mit the crime,” said Gogashvili. November 2017 in Tbilisi. Machalikashvili was shot when he tried ing their investigation had revealed Macha- interrogated by the SSS regarding the He also noted that he is ready to coop- Georgian Prime Minister Mamuka to detonate a grenade. However, the likashvili’s intent to murder several persons case, while Malkhaz Machalikashvili erate with the investigation if needed, Bakhtadze also commented on the recent family and relatives say that he was sleep- through organizing a terrorist act. refuses to show up for questioning. He saying he was not leading the special developments, saying the SSS had man- ing when law-enforcers shot him without The agency noted that a nephew of says the recording is a fabrication and operation in Pankisi Gorge in December aged to prevent a “grave crime” and not- warning. Machalikashvili, Moris Machalikashvili that he has not plotted anything. 2017, when Temirlan Machalikashvili was ing that “the rest is up to the investiga- The family also rejects the allegations may have been involved in the implemen- Ioseb Gogashvili also released a state- shot. tion.” that the deceased had links with tation of the mentioned terrorist act. ment regarding the investigation, saying “I would like to thank the SSS for pre- “The evidence is being studied and it Chatayev’s terrorist group. Georgia Marks Victory Day over Fascism

to pay tribute to their memory. And I BY THEA MORRISON want to wish health, happiness and pros- perity to the veterans and their family members," he added. n May 9 mark Tbilisi Mayor, Kakha Kaladze also con- the victory of the Soviet gratulated war veterans on the Victory Union over Nazi Germany Day. and the end of the Second “74 years have passed since the victory World War (WWII). over Fascism. War heroes saved human- ORepresentatives of the Georgian gov- ity from the Fascism by sacrifi cing their ernment, veterans and citizens gathered lives. I would like to wish our veterans in Vake Park in central Tbilisi to put long life and prosperity,” he said. flowers on the monument of the Victory in Day, generally known "Unknown Soldier." as V-Day, was the public holiday cele- Prime Minister Mamuka Bakhtadze brated on 8 May 1945 to mark the formal laid a wreath at the grave of the “Unknown acceptance by the Allies of World War Soldier” in the park, noting May 9 is a II of Nazi Germany's unconditional sur- special day in the history of mankind. render of its armed forces. The formal He wished health to the war veterans. surrender of the German forces occupy- "I want to congratulate everyone on ing the Channel Islands did not occur this day, especially our veterans. Hun- until the following day, 9 May 1945. It dreds of thousands of Georgian heroes thus marked the end of World War II in have fallen on the battlefi eld and I want Photo source: 1TV Europe. SUBSCRIBE!

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GEORGIA TODAY 4 POLITICS MAY 10 - 13, 2019 UN Workshop Focuses on Sustainable Development Goals

fi ndings of a recent UN technical analy- BY LUCY PAPACHRISTOU sis conducted under the leadership of the UNDP which reviewed 55 different sectoral strategies and Georgia’s Asso- ore than 70 represent- ciation Agreement with the European atives of the Georgian Union to assess how well SDG targets government and the are incorporated into national strategy, United Nations (UN) as well as how well national priority team in Georgia gath- goals are funded. eredM in Kachreti, in the eastern region Overall the fi ndings were positive: of Kakheti, for a two-day workshop to national policies cover fully 93 percent identify “bottlenecks” and “accelerators” of SDG targets that Georgia has adopted in the country’s progress towards the as national priorities. The EU Associa- Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), tion Agreement itself covers fully 63 the global sustainable development percent of all SDG targets, underlining agenda adopted by all UN member states “a need for the refi nement of sectoral in 2015. strategies,” according to a press state- The SDGs, also known as Global Goals, ment on the workshop released by the are “a universal call to action to end UNDP. poverty, protect the planet and ensure In particular, alignment work is needed that all people enjoy peace and prosper- for four SDGs: gender equality; reduced ity,” according to the United Nations inequalities; peace, justice and strong Development Programme (UNDP), the institutions; and partnerships for sus- body in charge of implementing the goals tainable development. In terms of fund- by 2030. The 17 SDGs include ensuring ing, some SDGs are signifi cantly under- quality education, reducing inequalities, funded: while peace, education and providing clean water and sanitation and infrastructure have larger budgets, pov- ending hunger. erty, gender equality and environmental The workshop this week was opened protection and climate change receive by Kakha Kakhishvili, Head of the Gov- Photo Source: United Nations more modest funding. ernment Administration and Chairman “Georgia was a pioneer in translating “This workshop gives us an opportunity Vinton added that Georgia’s “best pros- Participants agreed that better data of the National SDG Council, and Louisa the SDG framework into national strat- to see how well we’re doing, what we pects” concerning the SDGs are youth was needed to assess challenges to full Vinton, who leads the UN Country Team egies and in establishing a tructure for should adjust to move faster and where employment and rural development. SDG implementation by 2030 and meas- in Georgia. SDG implementation,” Kakhisvili said. Georgia might need assistance.” Workshop participants discussed the ure progress along the way. Far-right Groups Release Homophobic Comments in the Lead Up to Tbilisi Pride

zation of Pride will cause a surge in marriage ban. want to move away from the cycle of BY AMY JONES violence towards them. Indeed, Success A newly created group, the Antiliberal violence that has surrounded pro- Bar, Georgia’s fi rst gay bar, reportedly League, also shared memes that were LGBTQI events in Georgia. The fi ve-day plans to shut for the duration of Pride. anti-LGBTQ whilst the Anti-Liberal Club, event will take place in June rather than he fi rst pride event in Geor- As Tbilisi Pride draws nearer, the far- a group with over 50,000 followers, high- on 17 May, as it has done in previous gia, Tbilisi Pride, will be right in Georgia has begun to spread lighted how the US is too lenient towards years. In addition, various talks will be held June 18 - 23. The event homophobic rhetoric once more. Since LGBTQI rights. held to raise awareness and spark healthy hopes to raise awareness the event was announced at the begin- From January to April 2019, many right- conversation. and spark healthy conver- ning of March, homophobic comments wing groups increased their number of Georgia’s violent track record towards sationT about the LGBTQI community in have become more prevalent on social followers. Right-wing groups Kardhu, the LGBTQI community demonstrates Georgia. However, a traditionally con- media pages of anti-western, right-wing Alt-Info and Anti-Liberal Club increased the need for the conversation that Tbilisi servative country, Georgia has a poor groups. their followers by 1,700, 4,500 and 522 Pride hopes to encourage. However, it track record for protecting the human For example, Georgian March, a far- respectively, reported Eto Buziashvili. is essential that its supporters are suf- rights of its LGBTQI community. right group described as a neo-nazi Georgia has considered discrimination fi ciently protected to avoid the violence Previous gay rights events in Georgia organization by Transparency Interna- against the LGBTQI community and a of previous events. With such ingrained have been met with diffi culties. On 13 tional Georgia, released a Facebook video person’s sexual orientation to be a crim- beliefs, it is a diffi cult topic in Georgia. May 2013, LGBTQI rights demonstrators threatening to sabotage the event. They inal offense since 2014. Nonetheless, However, public attitudes may begin to were violently confronted by anti-pro- claim in the video that the only way the traditional orthodox views hold a strong change thanks to awareness events such testors as they demonstrated for the “celebration of perversion” would take grip on public opinion. In 2013, the anti- as Tbilisi Pride. Bidzina Ivanishvili once International Day Against Homophobia, place would be if the activists “march demonstration was organized following said, “sexual minorities are the same Transphobia, and Biphobia. The church over Georgian March’s dead bodies,” comments by church leaders. citizens as we are... society will gradu- and far-right groups played a key role in reported Eto Buziashvili, a researcher at Organizers of this year’s Tbilisi Pride ally get used to it.” the event, with anti-protestors holding the Digital Forensic Research Lab. signs saying “We don’t need Sodom and Similarly, other groups have posted Gomorrah in Georgia” and “Stop pro- homophobic content since March. moting homosexual propaganda in Geor- Kardhu, a popular anti-western group gia.” with over 25,000 online followers, has Some members in the LGBTQI com- posted homophobic content frequently, munity in Georgia fear that the organi- such as underlining Poland’s same-sex GEORGIA TODAY MAY 10 - 13, 2019 POLITICS 5 Georgia, Stop Wasting Time! society and is not even shortlisted on the roster of priorities; for instance, we waste an unimaginable amount of time on things like wakes and funerals and building opulent graveyards and taking much better care of the dead than of the living; we cruise in our cars idly, often wasting a crazy amount of time and gas on nothing; we party at festive tables for long hours, listening to interminable, boring and not-very-wise toasts; we practically live in traffi c jams, political rallies and demonstrations, in endless television discussions, in facebook nar- cissism and altercations; we stand casu- ally alfresco in towns and villages, wait- ing for something to happen; we spend hours on end in frenzied debates about the unbearable life the governments have been creating for us since Adam was a boy; in short, we refuse to control time, which certainly knows how to fl y. What gives, folks?! While we drag our feet in angry daydreaming, having no idea of priorities and preferences that need to be conjugated with the god-given time of our life, other civilized nations are handling the problem of my concern Image source: soimthatguy.fi les.wordpress.com with smarts and acumen, building their future without wasting a second. They gians as merry-making folks who even are aware of the brutal and irretrievable OP-ED BY NUGZAR B. RUHADZE missed the event of distributing lands truth that good is created only in time, among nations by the He who was even- which has to be equaled with the value tually compelled to cede His own piece of money. And money could be made ne of the most outstanding of terrain in favor of the Georgians. Yet, anytime in any country by anybody, if characteristic features of a the reality persistently carves our image that body is capable of thinking. Yes, civilized society, as I under- as a people not using our talent, knowledge thinking plus action! And the longer stand, must be a sense of and energy to the fullest possible extent, you’re not taking action, the more money priority; in other words, especially the young. Looking around with you’re losing (not my wisdom)! Talent Othe ability to do fi rst things fi rst. I am far wide-open eyes, I see a lot of utilizable also means a lot, but talent, without a from peddling the moralistic agendum time wasted on doing things not of the framework based on a properly-built at this time, but I am just as removed from highest preference for the nation. array of priorities, is a squandered treas- being indifferent to what this country is Let us now throw in a couple of para- ure. Finally, if my daring and earnest faced with and what its people feel like. digms, corroborating my dismaying idea attempt to give this modest heads-up to This introduction to the main issue is of our behavioral model in terms of the nation very apologetically makes any made so surreptitiously only because I am aligning the priorities in the most prac- sense on earth, why don’t we take the loath to sound overly unnerved and irate. ticable way: ideology matters and politics bull by the horns and learn the art of The world knows us Georgians, if it knows is important, but a piece of bread is more handling priorities and arrange them in us at all, as talented and industrious peo- indispensable to staying alive, so the time so shrewdly that things start work- ple; we facetiously describe ourselves as priority has to be given to the latter. ing and the lasting poisoning gabble talented but lazy; God perceived the Geor- Time is not appreciated duly in this about nonsense fades? New Dispute about Rustavi 2 TV Causes Mixed Reactions

Continued from page 1 “The existence of critical media, free ishvili is fi ghting not only against “pro- media and independent activities of Western media and forces,” as stated by She denies any political grounds for journalists are the values and standards Gvaramia, but “everyone who does not her suit and threatens to sue Gvaramia our government has provided,” he obey him.” for defamation. added. THE POSITION OF THE NON- WHAT DO THE PRESIDENT, WHAT DOES THE GOVERNMENTAL SECTOR THE GOVERNMENT AND OPPOSITION SAY? The NGOs have released a joint state- THE RULING GD THINK? European Georgia member Sergi Kap- ment regarding the new dispute, saying The President of Georgia, Salome Zura- anadze says it is unacceptable for Ivan- the process raises questions. bishvili, believes that freedom of speech ishvili to try to silence free media in the “Rustavi 2, one of the most infl uential is protected and guaranteed by the Con- country. He noted that the party has broadcasters, critical of the government, stitution. launched consultations with Rustavi 2 has been facing the threat of editorial “Accordingly, all legal resources and means and others regarding the issue. policy change for several years. Opinions will be used to ensure that freedom of Meanwhile, the United National Move- about the editorial policy of Rustavi 2 speech is protected in the country,” press- ment says that this is a “new wave of the may vary, but the existence of critical speaker Khatia Moistsrapishvili stated. attack on the broadcaster from the and diverse media platforms is crucial Vice-Prime Minister and the Minister authorities.” for a pluralistic media environment,” the of Regional Development and Infrastruc- Party member Grigol Vashadze stated organizations said. ture, Maia Tskitishvili said Rustavi 2 is that the government wants to “take 13 NGOs say the new legal dispute trying to act as if they are being attacked. revenge” on the television channel. hampers the work of the broadcaster; “Rustavi 2 has been reporting attacks “Ivanishvili's regime wants to confront moreover, it threatens media pluralism against them but… There is no attack the public, strengthen the persecution and the free media environment in the and this is again another attempt to mis- of the opposition and try to suppress country. lead our citizens as well as the interna- free speech…We, the whole political “The potential shift in Rustavi 2’s edito- tional community,” she said. spectrum, will defend the TV station rial policy will defi nitely have a negative Ruling Georgian Dream (GD) parlia- and will not let the government trans- impact on the 2020 pre-election period mentary majority leader Archil Talak- form the country into the Russian Fed- and the entire democratic process,” they vadze believes Rustavi 2 operates freely eration,” Vashadze claimed. say, adding that for a transitional democ- and without any hindrance, adding the The leader of the Democratic Move- racy like Georgia, it is vital to adhere to statement of Gvaramia that the TV chan- ment, ex-Speaker of the parliament Nino the high standard of freedom of speech nel might be shut down is “disinforma- Burjanadze also blames Ivanishvili for and expression, which is feasible only in tion.” the recent developments. She says Ivan- a pluralistic media environment. GEORGIA TODAY 6 BUSINESS MAY 10 - 13, 2019 The Terroirist Wine Club WHAT IS YOUR MISSION? pots] and old French oak barrels. AND WHAT DOES YOUR NAME MEAN? SO, HOW DO WE JOIN THE The mission is to learn about wine, learn TERROIRIST WINE CLUB? about some regions of the worlds and Every month from January until May, understand the potential of Georgian we gather at Ilja’s Hotel. Attendance is wine. Terroir means ‘place’ in French limited to 15 people, so contact us on our and refers to where the grapes are grow- Facebook page if you are interested. The ing. Because we focus a lot on explain- cost is 50 Lari per person. We taste fi ve ing why the soil and location of vine- wines, paired with small snacks (cheese, yards are important for the taste, we bread, etc.). In the future, we plan to choose this name. For example, why a maybe invite other Georgian winemak- Cabernet Sauvigon from Bordeaux is ers to share their wines with people. different from a Cabernet Sauvignon Club members are mostly expats: Swed- from Kakheti. ish, German, South African, and a few Georgians, ranging from 20 - 60 years WHO IS THE TERROIRIST TEAM? old. We’re very diverse. Terroirist is run by myself and [Swedish expat] Ilja Stenberg, the owner of the GEORGIA IS, OF COURSE, THE hotel where we do the tasting. I’m a COUNTRY OF WINE. WHY DID French winemaker, I started my winery, YOU THINK TBILISI NEEDED Ori Marani in Igeoti, [in the] Kartli SOMETHING LIKE TERROIRIST? [region of Georgia]. I studied winemak- Just the fact that we focus a lot on wines ing and viticulture in Burgundy, France, that are made with minimal interven- for fi ve years. I like to teach about wine tion; that we talk about the origin of the and meet people! wine and explain a little bit about win- I come from a grape growing family in emaking. Most people who drink wine Champagne, France. Here in Georgia, I don’t know how wine is made. The goal started a small artisanal winery called of the club is pedagogic, and people learn Ori Marani with my wife. We make spar- a lot about wine. Georgian wines are kling wines, white, rosé and red. Made in special; I love that they are a refl ection Qvevris [traditional Georgian clay wine of the people who make them.

Image source: Ori Marani wife Nino Gvantseladze, which has now tasting. Our tasting takes place at Ilja’s BY SAMANTHA GUTHRIE branched into one of Tbilisi’s only wine hotel [in Tbilisi’s old town]. We compare clubs. GEORGIA TODAY had the oppor- a wine region of the world with Georgian tunity to chat with Warskotte about The wines that are similar in style. There is rench transplant Bastien War- Terroirist Wine Club this week. always 20 minutes of explanation and skotte came to Georgia in 2014 information about the wine region we in a story many expats know WHAT EXACTLY IS are talking about, viticulture and win- all too well: for the love of a THE WINE CLUB? emaking: how grapes are grown and how Georgian woman. In 2017, he The wine club is a group of people wine is made. Then we do a tasting for startedF the Ori Marani winery with his (around 20) that gather during a wine about an hour and a half. US-China Trade War Enters Final Stage on May 8. "So they're fl ying in, the vice there are uncertainties over whether premier tomorrow is fl ying in — good there will be tariffs, numerous contin- man — but they broke the deal. They gency plans are now being reviewed to can't do that, so they'll be paying." salvage the companies from the worst. The China’s Foreign Ministry spokes- Indeed, global uncertainty has already man, Geng Shuang, said on Wednesday been in play as in China both the Shang- that working out disagreements over hai composite and Shenzhen component trade was a “process of negotiation” and declined more than 1.3% each by Thurs- that China was not “avoiding problems.” day. The Shenzhen composite fell 1.033%, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng index was LAST CHANCE AND down 1.95%. WORLD ECONOMY Japan's Nikkei 225 was lower by about Washington awaits Chinese negotiators, 1% and the Topix index slipped 1.21%. including Vice Premier Liu He, one of Shares of automaker Honda Motor fell China’s top economic offi cials and a more than 4% despite the company fore- close confi dant of the country’s presi- casting a 6% increase in operating profi t dent, Xi Jinping. Still many believe that for the current fi scal year. differences are so wide between the South Korea's Kospi shed 1.61% as states that an agreement is unlikely to shares of chipmaker SK Hynix plunged be reached. As a sign of heightened ten- more than 4%. sions, Trump suggested that his govern- This shows how vulnerable the global ment would impose higher tariffs on economy is to China-US tensions and $200 billion worth of Chinese goods on how pivotal these two states are to the Image source: ft.com/Reuters Friday morning. existing world order. Still, a partial break- the US and China, that both countries, Americans, who have been accusing the The almost total breakdown of the US- down of the trade negotiations is a sign BY EMIL AVDALIANI the world’s two largest economies, have Chinese of numerous actions, such as China negotiations sent shocks through of fundamental differences and deep been discussing for months. The talks continuous theft of American intellec- the global stock markets, bonds and mistrust between Washington and Bei- follow a trade war between Washington tual property and trade secrets. commodities this week. Companies that jing over how the world economy should ast Friday, May 3, the diplo- and Beijing from the time Trump became The fi rst US offi cial reaction to the would be affected by a tariff increase on run and how Eurasian geopolitics should matic cable from Beijing President. Chinese edits was Trump’s twitter state- Friday span a range of industries, from play out. Even if an agreement is reached, arrived in Washington with As said, some fundamental changes ment: "By the way, you see the tariffs seafood and fertilizers to handbags and it is likely that confrontations over other massive changes to a 150-page were made by the Chinese side in the we're doing? Because they broke the copper alloys. Various US industry asso- trade-related issues between the states Ldraft trade agreement between draft agreement which angered the deal. They broke the deal," he tweeted ciations said on Wednesday that since will happen in the future. GEORGIA TODAY MAY 10 - 13, 2019 SOCIETY 7 Youth 2250: Promoting Peace through Service peace negotiations. Torikashvili’s vision speakers of the forum, along with Karen Torikashvili shared a specifi c moment is for Georgia’s youth to be the facilita- Sudre, Israel's Youth Representative to of the event with GEORGIA TODAY: tor of a peace meeting between young the UN, and Aziza Azizanan, the founder “After the discussions, Aziza, who is very leaders from Georgia, Israel, Pakistan, of Paint the World in Malaysia. The par- passionate about the Palestinians and Malaysia and Panama. The main idea of ticipants also met with the Prime Min- their rights, went to Mr. Bar and gave the peace project “Youth 2250” is to unite ister of Georgia and the Vice Speaker of him a hug. She said, ‘Mr.Bar, all this time youth from confl icting countries through the Israeli Parliament Knesset, Yehiel I thought that Israel was a monster. All volunteerism. Hilik Bar. this time I thought that you do not care “The initial idea is to unite Muslim, Torikashvili explains, “It was an unprec- about the Palestinians. But now, after I Jewish and Christian young people, as edented meeting of the Lebanese, Paki- heard you speak, I realized that it is actu- well as young people from countries in stani and Malaysian young people with ally possible to make peace with Israel. confl ict,” explains Torikashvili. “While the Member of Israeli Parliament, where And I will, as a future politician, do my in Georgia, participants will get to know Mr. Bar presented his vision of the solu- best to make that happen.’ The fact that each other, make friends, get to know tion to the Israeli Palestinian confl ict; this peace meeting fostered that kind of Georgia and our culture, and most impor- we all discussed the solution which was a conversation is already a sign of suc- tantly, volunteer in local centers for peo- suggested, and even agreed on some cess towards SDG16: Peace.” ple with disabilities, as well as elderly aspects of it- a very big deal when we The project was supported by the shelters. The idea will be to unite youth are taking about youth from countries Israel-Georgia Chamber of Commerce from the countries in confl ict with one which do not even have any diplomatic in the scope of Israel Week. goal: to do good for the local community.” relationships with each other. And the Torikashvili has a youthful, optimistic The concept is to bring together young fact that those conversations and this message: “Peace in the world begins in people from different cultures and faith Peace Meeting happened in Georgia is Georgia. And we, the youth of Georgia, traditions, “who wouldn’t normally mix, a huge achievement.” will facilitate this process!” socially or otherwise,” to work, travel, and learn together. Participants will gain tools to fi ght prejudice, confront stereo- Photo: Lika Torikashvili types, and reject extreme ideologies. youth delegates is 21-year-old Lika Tori- Israel’s Youth Delegate to the UN par- BY SAMANTHA GUTHRIE kashvili, selected in August of last year. ticipated in the project, along with Kainat Torikashvili, as a full member of the Riaz and Shazia Ramzan from Pakistan, Georgian delegation, takes part in the who were hit by Taliban bullets on a he United Nations prior- events and committee hearings of the Pakistani school bus in 2012 in the same itizes the participation of General Assembly. The Georgian youth attack that severely injured Nobel Prize young people in decision- delegate program is supported by the Laureate Malala Yousafzai. making processes as part Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Through the ‘Youth 2250’ project, Tori- of the UN agenda on youth. Torikashvili had an impressive resume kashvili and her team delivered lectures TOne of the key forms of youth participa- even before being selected to join the on the UN’s Sustainable Development tion at the UN is the youth delegate UN delegation. She runs the non-profi t Goals (SDGs) to young people in vari- program. The program encourages the project Paint the World, Gauperade ous parts of Georgia. In the framework inclusion of youth delegates into a mem- Samkaro, which she founded in 2012 with of the Peace Project, Torikashvili organ- ber country’s offi cial UN delegation. the idea to unite young people with ized a forum on SDG5, Gender Equality, While the program is coordinated at the diverse cultural backgrounds through called ‘SDG Generation: How to turn UN level, member states run their own community service. Paint the World is goals into achievements.’ The forum internal processes to select youth del- the leader of Peace Week, an annual hosted 10 successful women from dif- egates to send to New York. project that promotes diversity, toler- ferent backgrounds, who talked about Each country also determines the roles ance, inclusion, and, of course, peace. their stories and gender inequality issues that their youth delegate will play, but This year, Torikashvili spearheaded the they faced on their road to success. “The most advise and consult their delegation International Peace Conference ‘Youth main idea of the forum was to break on issues related to youth and participate 2250,’ which was held in Tbilisi last week. gender related stereotypes and show in the general support work of attending United Nations Security Council Res- young Georgians that if you have a goal, meetings and informal negotiations. olution 2250 outlines the key role that nothing is impossible,” says Torikashvili. Aziza Aznizan (Malaysian) and Lika Torikashvili (The Youth Delegate of Georgia to the The youngest of the current Georgian youth has to play in peace building and Ramzan and Riaz were the keynote UN) with Mr. Bar, the Vice Speaker of the Knesset Factory Fencing: Etseri, Svaneti much too much. Then we used a straight fully. You can either spend maybe an hour BLOG BY TONY HANMER steel crowbar to punch conical holes in or three curling each improper vertical the earth. Hung a tight string between length around and around in spirals until the start and end points of the new fence all line up properly, or you can just leave he time had come. After to achieve a straight line, consulting with it, live with it. As the fence is only a few several years’ waiting, plant- my wife for position, door location, and hours old now, I haven’t yet decided if I ing little annual veggie gar- other points on which she must agree. have the patience and need the perfection dens but leaving them Pounded in the new fence posts fi rst, of the sorting out, or if I CAN live with unprotected should bovines using a sledgehammer, fi nishing by beat- it. The days ahead will tell. Tor porcines break through the barriers ing the ground around each to harden it Then, secure one end to the starting around our land, I was about to make an as well. Then we started unravelling the post with a few nails hammered in and interior fence. This time, using bought fi rst roll of actual fencing, and fi nally at bent over along its height. Keep doing but as yet unused rolls of diagonally this moment the interesting job of its mak- this at each successive post, your work assembled wire. ing at a factory in Zugdidi became clear. partner holding the far end tight to head I called a neighbor whose Russian There are two things about such fenc- off any more self-catching, until you’re lodger was available as a helping hand ing, one of which is simply the nature done. Repeat with the next and succes- when needed; Sergo and I worked well of the beast you have to be patient with, sive rolls until your whole perimeter is together. First, we replaced some normal, live with and not lose your temper over. enclosed. Bend over the offending top wire-and-picket fencing a few meters This is the way that both ends of it tend edge’s wires tomorrow so they can’t snag long where it had fallen into chaos near to grab onto anything they can as you onto anything else and congratulate the barn and replaced another small sec- unroll it, especially your clothing and yourself on a job well done. Easy with tion of the same kind elsewhere, the more of its own self. You just have to go two people, close to impossible alone, wires of which had been mysteriously… slowly until the whole thing is stretched and very satisfying when completed, cut. Who means us this kind of malice? out between two of you, unhooking it despite that jagged edge which might I had to wonder. A 4-legged break-in from yourself and itself as you go, then nag too much or, conversely and better, could quickly lead to devastation wrought carefully maneuver it into position at might fail to affect your desire for geo- upon our plantings. And they are oh so the start post and end position, however metric regularity. In any case, the cows cunning, these animals. far away that is, stretched nice and taut and pigs are Thwarted… for now. Then, the main event. We used my new to prevent further snarls. electric chainsaw (meaning that with The other thing is that you might have Tony Hanmer has lived in Georgia since electricity free here I was running it for fencing which obviously came from a 1999, in Svaneti since 2007, and been a nothing) to cut new posts from nice hard maker who Just Doesn’t Care. This weekly writer for GT since early 2011. He lengths of supposed fi rewood which becomes evident when you see that, runs the “Svaneti Renaissance” Facebook would serve better in this repurposed instead of a nice perfect rectangle when group, now with nearly 2000 members, at role. Trimmed one end of each to a point unrolled, you have something whose top www.facebook.com/groups/SvanetiRenais- with the axe, to hammer it easier into and bottom edges jump up and down by sance/ the ground, still damp and soft enough as much as 5 or 8 diamond lengths. This He and his wife also run their own guest house from the snow’s recent melt, before the is entirely invisible in the rolled-up form, in Etseri: summer sun would come and harden it and glaringly visible once you open it out www.facebook.com/hanmer.house.svaneti GEORGIA TODAY 8 CULTURE MAY 10 - 13, 2019 David Kakabadze Exhibition Launched at TBC Gallery

of Kakabadze is connected with numer- BY KETEVAN KVARATSKHELIYA ous artistic and scientific initiatives launched in Georgia and France. He worked on electro-technical experiments, he TBC Gallery, a project creating a stereo-cinematic apparatus of TBC Bank aimed at the and refi ning the means of expression in promotion of Georgian cinema. Electronic illumination and rays culture and its presentation of light held a primary place in these to wider audiences, along experiments. Kakabadze was the fi rst to Twith the David Kakabadze Foundation, speak about the synthesis of art and pro- is offering yet another incredible exhibi- duction; in this context, he created abstract tion to the public. pieces, collages and Stalin’s three-dimen- On May 8, an exposition dedicated to sional (3D) light art. the 130th anniversary since the birth of All of this was very much in the minds one of the most outstanding fi gures of of the organizers of the current project. Georgia’s contemporary art history, art- Thus, the exhibition at TBC Gallery is ist, scientist, inventor and one among not a traditional display of works of an the founding fathers of Georgian mod- artist, having been launched in a way ernism, David Kakabadze, was launched that it brings together art and science at the TBC Gallery. The exhibition is the and presents a balanced and interesting starting point of a large-scale, multi-stage integration of two absolutely different project carried out by the Bank and the realms in one area. Its diversity repre- David Kakabadze Foundation. sents Kakabadze as researcher, scientist Visitors have a chance to discover and a fi gure with a clear national identity. various unique materials from the art- The digital structure of the exhibition ist’s family archives, including sketches, hall gives new life to the original works notes, documents and drafts, among a of the artist and introduces a great oppor- number of mesmerizing works by Kak- tunity for art enthusiasts to see the her- abadze, embellishing the walls of the itage left by the prominent Georgian Gallery. artist in new forms. Rioni Power Station (1931). Source: kweiseye.wordpress.com David Kakabadze was distinguished for The exposition features numerous col- his interest in arts as well as the sciences. lections of the artist, preserved in dif- The project, devoted to Kakabadze’s A catalogue is also being launched as Avenue, the works and studies launched He was interested in medieval Georgian ferent foundations countrywide. Four jubilee, boasts a cycle of cultural events, part of the project on May 18, which during the projects will be on display art, ethnography, the Renaissance, Chi- of his works, protected at the National as well as an educational program, to presents Kakabadze as a researcher and for three months. nese and Japanese art, , futurism, Museum of Georgia, have been brought take place throughout the year. integrates the investigations of research Within the framework of the project, and other movements. His outlook com- to the public eye with the help of TBC From May 18, the TBC Art Gallery will groups, as well as new visions. the David Kakabadze Foundation is to bined tradition and new information into Insurance (Tbcinsurance.ge), which has host a multimedia project within the On May 17-20 the scientifi c works of launch an archive, integrating already a single context. His art represents both insured the paintings in accordance with scope of which young artists Nikoloz David Kakabadze will be exposed at existing documents with the new mate- Oriental and Western values, which makes the highest international standards. Kapanadze, Mariam Akulashvili and Expo Georgia within the Tbilisi Art Fair rials created during the anniversary of his work especially signifi cant in light of The exhibition carries signifi cant mes- Dimitri Shubitidze, inspired by Kak- (TAF). the artist. The Foundation aspires to the Georgian identity. However, aside sages and, based on a study of Kakabadze’s abadze’s works, will create audiovisual, Project 12 – the TBC art platform, is digitalize all the artefacts related to the from painting, he was very enthusiastic archives, aims to methodologically cover spatial installations for exploration of yet another part of the anniversary series. name of Kakabadze and thus facilitate about research and discoveries. The name history and activate new narratives. light interaction. In the exhibition hall located on Rustaveli public access to his works. GEORGIA TODAY MAY 10 - 13, 2019 CULTURE 9 New Photography GWS Introduces a Exhibition Explores the Lives of Refreshed Label for Georgian Women BY LUCY PAPACHRISTOU

Photo Source: Own work Its Premium Wine new photography exhibition coordi- nated by an American Fulbright Fellow their kitchen tables, Springer established personal in Georgia explores the lives of ordi- connections with them and was subsequently intro- nary Georgian women through images. duced individually to the women who later partici- Ten ordinary Georgian women rang- pated in the photography project. ingA in age from 17 to 55 and from different regions The photographs, some 27 of them, are arranged Brand TAMADA of the country were brought together under the in several groupings; the photographs in each group- project to explore Georgian culture from their unique, ing seek to answer a prompt provided by Springer. personal perspectives. Nine of the women chose The prompts took the form of questions: “How do photography as their medium. you see yourself?”; “What makes you angry? What The project is supported by the US Embassy and does your anger look like?”; “As a woman, what do Georgian Institute of Public Affairs (GIPA). you feel excluded from?”, and several more. The At the exhibition opening on Wednesday evening, names of the photographers are not attached to their Julius Cai, the Cultural Attaché of the US Embassy works, as some women may not have felt safe oth- to Georgia, applauded the project director, Misty erwise, Springer explained. Brodiaea Springer, for bringing these women together. The photographs in the exhibition examine “the Cai said that the United States and Springer share razor’s edge between modernity and what [the pho- a vision for an inclusive Georgian society along tographers’] mothers’ and grandmothers’ lives looked gender lines. Cultural exchange, or “people-to-peo- like,” Springer told GEORIGA TODAY. One black- ple exchange,” as Cai called it, “achieves things and-white photograph, taken by Keti Tushmalishvili impossible to achieve in other spheres.” from the western region of , depicts the pho- “‘The essence of intercultural education is the tographer, a young, modern women educated abroad, acquisition of empathy—the ability to see the world standing in the living room of her family home. She as others see it, and to allow for the possibility that is surrounded by antique furniture, old photographs others may see something we have failed to see, or and religious icons; a massive traditional carpet may see it more accurately,’” Cai said, quoting US hangs on the wall, looming. The subject faces an Senator James William Fulbright, who created the empty cradle, a potential foreshadowing of her future Fulbright Program in 1946. role as mother and wife. Springer came to Georgia initially in 2017 to conduct Another photograph answering the question, “What research on human traffi cking as part of her master’s makes you angry?”, depicts a woman in the process program in the United States. She returned to Geor- of dressing, her naked shoulder exposed, as she is gia as a Fulbright Fellow for 2018-2019, and is currently being photographed with a cellphone camera through working on an ethnography about food and women’s her bedroom window. The photographer, Ia Tch- relationship to food, which she plans to turn into a elidze, told GEORGIA TODAY that the photograph book. Through various connections, she was intro- was inspired by her feeling that, “in Georgia, every- ADA wine, like its namesake, grants a sense of unity duced to local Georgian women across the country one is watching you.” BY MARIAM DIASAMIDZE at the table and encourages the art of sharing emo- and was invited into their homes to learn how to cook The exhibition is open to public from May 9 to 14 tions, which is at the core of the brand and serves traditional dishes. Talking with these women over at the Moxy Hotel on Saarbrucken Square in Tbilisi. as its tagline. In addition to this brand story, the wine he Georgian Wines and Spirits Com- itself carries an interesting history of its own. pany (GWS), one of the oldest and The great majority of TAMADA vineyards are 15 best-known producers of handpicked years old, up to 25 years for some parcels and appel- wines in Georgia and a constant pro- lations. Since 2015, TAMADA has been awarded 59 vider of high quality products, is medals, including seven double gold, and ten gold Texcited to launch a refreshed label for its premium medals, in national and international competitions. wine TAMADA. The new label will be available GWS offers 18 different varieties of TAMADA, vin- on the market from June and refl ects the further tage and AOC wines. All the exquisite grapes for refi nement of the quality of exquisite wine TAM- TAMADA are hand-picked from the GWS terroirs ADA. to deliver this fi nest wine of Georgia. The company’s Brand Manager Salome Dolidze The new design of the label will better portray explains the rationale behind the refreshed pack- the history of the brand and the refi nement of the aging: “Two years ago, we introduced the premium taste. The design will be refl ected on bottles and collection of TAMADA wines: Grand Reserve and all POS materials. The back label will also be Qvevri. One of the reasons we initiated the refresh- reworked with a new storytelling approach, accom- ment for the entire TAMADA range was to align panied with a map of Georgia and signature of the it with the design of the newer lines of Grand Winemaker and CEO of GWS- Philippe Lespy. Even Reserve and Qvevri. We also wanted the new label the quality of wine corks and label papers will be to represent a refi nement of the taste and standards upgraded to better match the premium nature of of the TAMADA wines. With the new design, the the brand. label looks more modern and fresh, but keeps the emphasis on tradition and brand values. The new ABOUT GWS label packaging once again links art and Pirosmani For more than 20 years, GWS has been one of the and enhances its design.” leading businesses in Georgia and worldwide. GWS With the upgrade, wine lovers can now enjoy produces around four million bottles of premium TAMADA from a bottle that further highlights one wines, made exclusively from its own vineyards, of the treasures of Georgian culture, the famous 100% of the harvest being hand-picked. In the last painting The Feast of Five Princes (1906) of Niko few years, GWS was awarded with up to 160 awards Pirosmani. The painting by Pirosmani portrays the and distinctions by prominent national and inter- Georgian feast “supra” that is traditionally lead by national competitions. The high profi le of the wines a toastmaster “tamada,” who is bestowed with the from GWS are fueled by the quality of its vineyards duty of raising toasts and leading the festivity. TAM- and the know-how of the team. GEORGIA TODAY 10 CULTURE MAY 10 - 13, 2019

WHAT’S ON IN TBILISI THEATER May 12 Exhibition NATIONAL MUSEUM BALLET SUKHISHVILI, SILENT, REHEARSAL! RED TERROR AND GEORGIAN COLLECTION XIX – XX IKA (Small Moves / Future One-act spectacle that is behind the ARTISTS CENTURY Funktion), TBILISI ZAKARIA scenes. The exhibition showcases artworks DANIEL BERHANE PALIASHVILI OPERA AND Performance consists of various Until May 27 Start time: 22:00 BALLET THEATER by Dimitri Shevardnadze, Petre short novels: "Good Morning", Georgian National Museum and Ticket: 40-200 GEL 25 Rustaveli Ave. Otskheli, Henryk Hryniewski, "Cinemat", "Welcome-Host", Italian embassy in Georgia present TEL (+995 32) 2 99 04 56 Richard Sommer, Kiril Zdanevich, "Shirley Beis", "Painter", Vasily Shukhaev, , the exhibition SIONI 13 "Bohemian Rhapsody" 8 Sioni Str. May 11 , David Kakabadze, ESOTERIC DE CHIRICO. A Directed by Kakha Bakuradze Ucha Japharidze, Aleksandre TRAVELER BETWEEN TWO ROMEO AND JULIET Start time: 20:00 May 11 Sergei Prokofi ev Bajbeuk-Melikov, Korneli Sanadze WORLDS Ticket: 10-15 GEL The exhibition showcases 15 NODARIKO KHUTSISHVILI LIVE Ballet in Two Acts and more. PERFORMANCE artworks of Giorgio de Chirico Based on the tragedy by William Piano- David Kakulia May 16 between 1920-1970, clearly showing Shakespeare MUSEUM OF ILLUSIONS Bass- Simon Bitadze DIVINE COMEDY that even his most “natural” artwork Libretto, choreographic version and Dante Aligieri 10 Betlemi Str. Drums- Giorgi Gorgiashvili hints at the surrealist world. staging by Mikhail Lavrovsky Directed by Ioseb Bakuradze Percussion- Irakli Menagharishvili Start time: 19:00 Start time: 20:00 Discover the Museum of Illusions Start time: 21:00 Ticket: 10-100 GEL Ticket: 15 GEL Be brave enough to jump into an KOLGA TBILISI PHOTO Ticket: 15 GEL illusion created by the Vortex, SHALIKASHVILI THEATER MUSIC & DRAMA STATE deform the image of yourself in the May 4-27 BACKSTAGE76 37 Rustaveli Ave. THEATER Mirror Room, let yourself free in the Kunsthalle Tbilisi and Goethe- Vake Park 182 Agmashenebeli Ave. Infi nity room, fi ght the laws of gravity Institute Georgia present May 10 and size ratio, and take pictures of TABULA RASA May 11 HOST AND GUEST May 14 yourself in every possible pose. Enjoy An exhibition of stainless steel LIGHT NIGHT JAM Based on Vazha Pshavela’s poem WELCOME TO GEORGIA our collection of holograms, look sculptures by Gabriela Von Artists: Start time: 20:00 The Musical closer at every optical illusion and Habsburg. Dj sagol, Ticket: 20 GEL A musical, theatrical play and observe thoroughly each installation. Exhibition includes works by: Q Art Valley, Astrobee romantic comedy telling a story Tickets: 17.5 GEL, Children (ages Giorgi Geladze, Salome GABRIADZE THEATER about Georgia and its people by Chigilashvili, Liza Tsindeliani, Start time: 19:00 6-18): 11 GEL, children (under 5 Ticket: 15 GEL 13 Shavtelis St. combining song, dance, culture, years): free, students: 13 GEL, family Giorgi Vardiashvili TEL (+995 32) 2 98 65 93 traditions, history, national (2 adults + 2 children): 39 GEL. Curated by: Irena Popiashvili costumes and local cuisine. Venue: GNM Courtyard, KAKHIDZE MUSIC CENTER Start time: 20:00 3 Shota Rustaveli Ave. 123a D. Agmashenebeli Ave. May 10 MUSEUM OF BROKEN Ticket: 50-80 GEL RAMONA RELATIONSHIPS May 5-12 May 11 Revaz Gabriadze MUSEUM 10 Betlemi Str. CONCERT OF VOCAL SEXTET Directed by Revaz Gabriadze GRAZIANO ARICI- TALES OF VENICE ‘THE GEORGIAN SIX’ AND English Subtitles THE MUSEUM OF BROKEN TBILISI SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA GEORGIAN NATIONAL Curator: Tina Shelhorn Start time: 20:00 RELATIONSHIPS Under the baton of Maestro MUSEUM SIMON JANASHIA VIGEN VARTANOV- IMMERSION Ticket: 20, 30 GEL The unique collection of the Vakhtang Kakhidze MUSEUM INTO THE WORLD OF IMAGES museum aims to provoke Start time: 20:00 3 Rustaveli Ave. TALES OF ISTALNDS – May 11 feelings of understanding among Ticket: 20-40 GEL THE AUTUMN OF MY TEL (+995 32) 299 80 22, 293 48 21 Kate Mellor, Osamu James www.museum.ge individuals and serve as some SPRINGTIME Nakagawa, Studio Marc Räder, kind of therapy for those who have TBILISI STATE Revaz Gabriadze Sanne De Wilde/ NOOR Exhibitions: experience break-ups. CONSERVATOIRE Directed by Revaz Gabriadze Curator: Tina Shelhorn 8 Griboedov Str. NUMISMATIC TREASURY Opening: 19:00 English Subtitles EXHIBITION STONE AGE EXPERIMENTORIUM Venue: I. Grishashvili Tbilisi History Start time: 20:00 GEORGIA May 11 KIDS’ SCIENCE MUSEUM Museum (Karvasla), Ticket: 20, 30 GEL ARCHEOLOGICAL TREASURE TBILISI CHORAL MUSIC IX 17 P. Ingorokva Str, Tbilisi 8 Sioni Str. INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL NEW LIFE TO THE ORIENTAL TEL (+995 32) 2 47 57 37 May 14 COLLECTIONS CLOSING GALA: Animated documentary fi lm PLANET OR PLASTIC? The Luebeck Academy of Music 150 years after the fi rst exhibition of Enjoy around 80 exhibits REZO Natural History Museum Opening: 19:00 Students Choir, The Albion College Directed by Leo Gabriadze showcasing the laws of physics, Organizer: National Geographic Briton Singers, The Gori Women EXHIBITION- biology, mathematics and anatomy, Start time: 20:00 BIODIVERSITY Magazine Georgia Chamber Choir, The Tbilisi Ticket: 15 GEL all of which kids can touch and Venue: S. Janashia Museum of Women Choir, The Youth Mixed examine for themselves. GEORGIAN COSTUME AND Georgia, 3 Sh. Rustaveli Ave. Choir “Tutarchela”, The Boys Choir MOVEMENT THEATER “Mdzlevari”, The G. Kurashvili WEAPONRY OF THE 18TH-20TH GALLERY MUSIC 182 Aghmashenebeli Ave. CENTURIES State Abkhazian Capella and other Georgian Choirs, Pieces of TEL (+995 32) 598 19 29 36 WISDOM TRANSFORMED INTO Georgian and European Composers GOLD THE NATIONAL GALLERY REPUBLIC May 11 11 Rustaveli Ave. 1st Republic Sq. Start time: 19:00 Ticket: 5-15 GEL INTRO MUSEUM OF SOVIET TEL (+995 32) 215 73 00 Sandro Nikoladze's Musical Alegry OCCUPATION May 10 May 15 Directed by Kakha Bakuradze 4 Rustaveli Ave. Until February 26 (2020) Republic and “Club Iveria” present: The 80th Anniversary of the Start time: 20:00 TEL (+995 32) 2 99 80 22, 2 93 48 21 GRAND MASTERS FROM THE ASSA famous Georgian violinist- Ticket: 10-15 GEL www.museum.ge GEORGIAN BY GEORGIAN NATIONAL KONSTANTIN VARDELI Participants: the students of the Maestro Vardeli and Georgian Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of Nikoloz Rachveli Program: Johann Sebastian Bach, Vivaldi, Ernest Chausson, Saint-Saens, Felix Mendelssohn Start time: 19:30 Ticket: 10-35 GEL

May 16 CONCERT OF THE TBILISI ZAKARIA PALIASHVILI CENTRAL MUSIC SCHOOL FOR GIFTED CHILDREN Start time: 19:00 Ticket: 5-15 GEL

UHBAN 164 Agmashenebeli Ave.

May 11 W:O:A METAL BATTLE CAUCASUS 2019- FINAL CONFIRMED BANDS: I Killed The Devil [ge], Goat Ripper [az], Ildaruni [am], Guest / Last Year Winner: Every Dog Has Its Day [ge], Special Guest: Psychonaut 4 Start time: 19:00 Ticket: 15-25 GEL

ELEKTROWERK 1 Monk Gabriel Salosi I Turn

May 11 ARA Start time: 20:30 Ticket: 15-20 GEL GEORGIA TODAY MAY 10 - 13, 2019 CULTURE 11 International Kolga Tbilisi Photo Festival Held for 18th Time in Georgia

BY LIKA CHIGLADZE

he 18th edition of the Kolga Tbilisi Photo Award, the biggest and the most pres- tigious photo contest in Georgia, was officially Topened in a former cable station on Rustaveli. The opening ceremony was preceded by a photo exhibition on Baratashvili Bridge. Photos in the catego- ries Documentary Series, Reportage, and Conceptual Photo Project were exhibited at the venue. The illuminated spiral building of the historic cable station hosted photo enthusiasts and public on the evening of May 3. The attendees ascended the circular staircase of the cable station to see works displayed in categories Best One Shot and Best Por- trait. The award ceremony was rounded- up with a concert from Georgian band The BearFox. This year, the winners of the photo contest were chosen by an international jury. At the event, the winners in the fol- lowing categories were revealed:

BEST REPORTAGE: MUSTAFA HASONA A photographer from the Gaza Strip, Palestine, Hasona now works with the Anadolu Agency AA, having worked as freelancer for AFP, REUTERS and been selected by The Guardian for the Best Photographer 2014. Through his images, the photographer showcases Palestinian protesters on the border with Israel Photo: Winner of One Shot Jelena_Jankovic_Selfi e Culture demanding their rights to return. mentary, freelance fashion, conceptual gialardi said. “I hope I don’t have to photo expositions. member of Saqinform, the ’s BEST DOCUMENTARY PHOTO and experimental photography. Her pho- photograph anything anymore.” This year the festival presents follow- information agency and who was regarded PROJECT: FAUSTO PODAVINI tographs have been published in such The Kolga Award prize fund of $7,500 ing exhibitions: Sputnik Photos (Poland) as a master of constructivism. His pho- Podavini is an Italian born photographer. magazines as Rolling Stone, National Geo- was equally divided between the win- - Lost Territories: Control, Marc Riboud tographic artwork is a distinguished He presented a series of Lake Turkana graphic, Professional Photographer, and ners in the fi rst three categories. The (France) -The Compassionate Eye, Karl heritage of that period, refl ecting Soviet that has been declared "World Heritage ELLE. In 2018, she published her fi rst book winners of these categories received Mancini (Italy) - Ni Una Menos, Photo Georgia’s reality in the 1950s and 70s. in Danger" by UNESCO. In 2009, he about the traditional dance of Serbia. $1500 each. The Best One Shot and The Chronicles by Ivane DvaliI (Georgia), Dvali was granted the year’s Alexander began collaborating with the Collective Nigel Dickinson, a British born docu- Best Portrait categories winners got GAMMA Images (Georgia) - Transitional Roinashvili Prize as one of the best pho- WSP, where, in addition to work as a mentary photographer, photojournalist $1000 each, while the Mobile Photos Narrative, Georg Katstaller (Austria) - tographers of Saqinform, an author of photographer in collective projects, he and fi lmmaker working for over 35 years, Series category winner was awarded Intending Georgia, Ostlook Platform constructivism art photography and works as a professor of Photojournalism. focuses on the environment, human $500. The winner of the Kolga Newcomer (Germany) - How to Deal with History?, industrialization, who has contributed condition, marginalized communities, Photo Award was also given $500. 90'x Collective (Georgia) - Stolen Sto- signifi cantly to developing photography. BEST CONCEPTUAL PHOTO sustainable development, identity and The main goal of the Kolga Awards is ries, Zeinab Barnovi (Georgia) – History, PROJECT: KATE MELLOR culture. His winning image was ‘An effi gy to link international photography to William Osgood Field – 1929 Field’s trip WILLIAM OSGOOD FIELD – 1929 Mellor, a fi ne art photographer based in of Prime Minister Theresa May at ewes Georgia and to local photography. to Georgia, Young Georgian Photogra- FIELD’S TRIP TO GEORGIA the UK, plays with the idea of architecture Bonfi re, Bailing Out a Sinking Brexit Announcement of the Photo Award phers, Mariam Amurvelashvili (Georgia) William Osgood Field was an American as hero, exploring tensions and rifts between Ship, To Be Blown Up During Firework worldwide intends to foster its interna- - Take Me Home, Graziano Arici (Italy) researcher who traveled to Georgia in the building and its surroundings. Display.’ tional position and to facilitate the pro- - Tales of Venice, Thomas Rabsch (Ger- 1929. He lived in Zemo (Upper) Svaneti fessional development of young photog- many) - All Eyes on Me, National Geo- for some months and also visited Khevs- THE NOMINATION ONE SHOT, NEWCOMER AWARD: raphers and help them to pave the way graphic (Georgia) - Planet or Plastic? ureti and Kartli (high mountain regions DIVIDED BETWEEN TWO JOHANNES GLINKA in the world of photography. Tales of Islands (Kate Mellor, Osamu of Georgia). During the journey, Field WINNERS: JELENA JANKOVIC The winner of NEWCOMER AWARD “We were given the old cable station James Nakagawa, Marc Raeder, Sanne took many photos and made documen- AND NIGEL DICKINSON. was 23-year-old Johannes Glinka from space to organize the exhibition in, show- De Wilde). tary movies. All the materials, approxi- “I came across the Kolga Tbilisi Photo Berlin. In his work, he focuses on social casing the photos of two categories of mately 200 photographs and almost catalogue online,” Jelena Jankovic told political issues. The photographer pic- the contest,” Founder of Kolga, Beso MARC RIBOUD two-hours of original fi lm, are preserved GEORGIA TODAY. “I saw amazing pho- tured refugees at Central Station, mainly Khaindrava, told GEORGIA TODAY. May 4 featured Marc Riboud’s exhibi- in the US Congress Library (Washington, tos and amazing authors, and decoded from Afghanistan, trying to get to Europe “The public can see the works of remain- tion. The photographer traveled to Geor- D.C.) and US Geographical Society I wanted to be part of this festival and via Hungary. In the interior shots, the ing nominations on Baratashvili Bridge. gia in 1992 and depicted the daily life of Archive (Milwakee, State Wisconsin). exhibition. I decided to apply to the con- people are anonymous whereas the por- The festival incorporates a number of the citizens. He spent three weeks in With the permission of the Congress test with my image ‘Selfi e-culture,’ which traits show the personalities behind the exhibitions on different themes at dif- Tbilisi, a city he fell in love with. During Library and Geographical Society, these tells the story of the selfi e culture, how faces. ferent locations, so anyone can attend his stay he saw the mosque, synagogue digital archival material and his fi lms it infl uences people and social networks. at least part.” and Orthodox church coexisting in the have been brought to Georgia to present I think this theme is important, since the MOBILE PHOTO, BEST Within the festival, ongoing until May center, proving that Georgia is a country them to the wider audience. growing selfi e-culture has begun to PHOTO SERIES: LORENZO 10, around 19 international and local where the Orient and the Occident have This year, as an exception, at the end determine our lives. By constantly show- MANGIALARDI group and solo exhibitions have been always mixed and where the three reli- of photo festival, Kolga Tbilisi Photo ing where we are and what we do, we The winner, through his images, shows opened at different locations in the gions live together in peace. will host Norwegian photographer and miss the opportunity to enjoy the moment, the sad story of his mother who had capital. As part of Kolga, other highlights member of Magnum Photos Jonas Bendik- real life. My photo tells the real story breast cancer and underwent several include workshops, discussions and IVANE DVALII sen’s photo display The Last Testament. and my message that it’s time to focus surgeries. She is still having chemother- meetings with foreign photographers. The National Archives of Georgia is on our real lives.” apy. “I photographed her and my family The Kolga festival counts over 18 years’ hosting the photo chronicles of Georgian For more details about the exhibitions, visit Jankovic is primarily engaged in docu- from the day of the fi rst surgery,” Man- existence and annually offers series of photographer Ivane DvaliI , who was a the KOLGA TBILISI PHOTO facebook page.

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