Event

IN BLOOM

TRAILER: vimeo.com/78755795

Early '90s, in Tbilisi, the capital of the newly independent Georgia after the collapse of the Soviet Union. The country is facing violence, war on the Black Sea coast (Abkhazia) and vigilante justice that plague society. But for Eka and Natia, fourteen-year-old inseparable friends, life just unfoldsin the street, at school, with friends or Eka's elder sister. Although they are already dealing with men's dominance, early marriage and disillusioned love, for these two girls in bloom, life just goes on.

"Built around radiant performances from its two young leads, In Bloom is a beautifully observed slice-of-life drama subtly interwoven with thriller elements and a gently pro- feminist message about young girls defying ancient patriarchal traditions...Even in their least dramatic scenes, Babluani and Bokeria share a natural chemistry and magnetic on-screen presence. The languid camera work of veteran Romanian New Wave cinematographer Oleg Mutu also merits a mention...An eye-pleasing aesthetic for a classy and absorbing debut." Stephen Dalton, Hollywood Reporter

CICAE Prize Berlinale Best Film/Best Actress Sarajevo Film Fest FIPRESCI Prize/Golden Firebird Hong Kong Intl. Film Fest New Auteurs Award for Personal Storytelling AFI Fest Special Jury Prize Montreal Film Festival Grand Prize TOKYO FILMeX