Mikhaïl Kobakhidzé

This gifted Georgian filmmaker has been largely overlooked by the public due to the fact that he has made just six short films. For those that know of him, chances are that it is due only to the way he was treated by the Soviet Censors (eventually banning him from working altogether in 1969).

During the sixties he opted for expressing himself through his uniquely dreamy silent black and white poems rather than harsh social realism. Having recently completed his first film after a 32-year absence, we are overjoyed at being able to share this gentle genius with the world.

The screenings will be accompanied by a live improvised soundtrack by the Brick Lane Film Ensemble, led by Vladimir Miller, a contemporary music collective that perform spontaneously to silent film. Their performances have taken them as far as Moscow and St. Petersburg.

This anthology consists of Kobakhidzé's entire catalogue and comprises Young Love (1961), Merry Go Round (1962), The Wedding (1964), The Umbrella (1966), The Musicians (1969), and On the Road (2001).