The Chandler International Film Festival (CIFF) is one of the fastest-growing film festivals in Arizona, dedicated to uniting the community through the film. The festival showcases over 120 films submitted from all over the world, spanning six continents and 35 countries. The eighth annual festival took place on January 19-28, 2024, in Chandler, Arizona.
“From Life to Life” Wins Best European Film Award
Among the films that competed for various awards at the CIFF, one stood out as the winner of the Best European Film Award. The film is “From Life to Life”, directed by Beka Sikharulidze and starring Givi Sikharulidze, Beka Sikharulidze, Giviko Baratashvili, Ia Shugliashvili, and Roman Gventsadze. The film also features a 30-second scene with Georgia Today’s own editor-in-chief Katie Ruth Davies.
“From Life to Life” is a drama set in 1990s Georgia, after the collapse of the Soviet Union. The film follows the story of Luka, a surgical doctor, who saves lives, but struggles to adapt to the ruthless and corrupt new system. He tries to stay loyal to his profession, but he has to make a choice between his family and the lives of others, which leads to irreversible consequences.
The film received three nominations at the CIFF: Best European Film, Best International Feature, and Best Actor. It was named the Best European Film 2024, beating other contenders from France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK.
Director and Cast Share Their Reactions
Beka Sikharulidze, the director and co-star of the film, expressed his gratitude and excitement for the award. He said that he was honored to represent Georgia at the CIFF and to share his film with the international audience. He also thanked the festival organizers, the jury, and the viewers for their support and appreciation.
Givi Sikharulidze, the lead actor and co-producer of the film, said that he was proud of the film and the team behind it. He said that the film was a personal and emotional project for him, as it was based on his father’s life and experiences as a doctor. He said that he hoped that the film would inspire and touch the hearts of the people who watched it.
The other cast members also shared their joy and satisfaction for the film’s success. Giviko Baratashvili, who played Luka’s wife, said that the film was a challenging and rewarding experience for her. She said that she learned a lot from working with Beka and Givi Sikharulidze, who are both experienced and talented actors. Ia Shugliashvili, who played Luka’s mother, said that the film was a powerful and realistic portrayal of the Georgian society and history. She said that she was glad that the film received recognition and praise from the CIFF. Roman Gventsadze, who played Luka’s friend, said that the film was a masterpiece of storytelling and cinematography. He said that he was honored to be part of the film and to work with such a talented crew.
Film Trailer and Future Plans
The trailer for “From Life to Life” can be seen here. The film has also been selected for other film festivals, such as the Moscow International Film Festival, the Warsaw Film Festival, and the Busan International Film Festival. The film is expected to be released in Georgia and other countries later this year.
