From Variety · Jessica Kiang · · 50s
Guria Review: Georgia's Deadpan Oscar Submission
Georgian director Levan Koguashvili's bleak Oscar submission 'Guria' finds scarcity but abundant charm in post-Soviet Georgia.
In brief
Georgian director Levan Koguashvili's bleak Oscar submission 'Guria' finds scarcity but abundant charm in post-Soviet Georgia. Post-Soviet Georgia's harsh realities and dark humor shine in Levan Koguashvili's Oscar submission 'Guria'. Originally reported by Variety.
Post-Soviet Georgia
Georgian director Levan Koguashvili's film 'Guria' depicts life just after the Soviet Union collapsed.
“My Sad Dead”
Deadpan Humor
Koguashvili uses offbeat, slightly off-key songs to highlight hardship and hazelnuts in rural Georgia.
Oscar Submission
The film is Georgia's official submission for the 2026 Academy Awards.
Post-Tribeca Success
Koguashvili won top honors at Tribeca for his previous film 'Brighton 4th' in 2021.
Black and White Vision
The film's stark black-and-white style captures post-war division and penury in Georgia.
What it means
Post-Soviet Georgia's harsh realities and dark humor shine in Levan Koguashvili's Oscar submission 'Guria'.
