"Inner Blooming Springs" – A Film Born from the Heart of Tbilisi’s Protests

| Ana Tsikhelashvili |

Tiku Kobiashvili, a young Georgian photographer and filmmaker, documented the intensity of Tbilisi’s protests in her debut documentary, a 43-minute film that recently premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival. With a raw and intimate lens, the film captures the city’s charged atmosphere and the resilience of its people during a time of political upheaval.

In 2023, tens of thousands of Georgians took to the streets of Tbilisi to protest the controversial "foreign agents" law. Under immense public pressure, the government initially withdrew the bill, only for it to resurface in 2024, reigniting tensions. Amid the chaos, Tiku and her friends found themselves in the thick of it, with Tiku holding a camera, determined to shape their own future and push back against what they saw as unjust government decisions. From this struggle emerged a film that vividly captures the raw reality of Tbilisi amid unrest, bringing it to a global audience. In an interview, Tiku reflected on the film’s journey to the Berlinale and the story she hoped to tell.

Tiku, can you give us an overview of your film? What story does it tell, and who are the main characters?

The film follows two childhood friends, Tina and Luka, as they navigate their daily lives in Tbilisi - a city where simply existing feels like a political act. It offers a deeply personal look at their emotional ups and downs, their thoughts, and their struggles during a period of intense self-reflection. Tina and Luka find themselves at a crossroads, leaving behind the carefree days of childhood and stepping into the responsibilities of adulthood, all while taking part in the fight for Georgia’s European future.

What does premiering at the Berlin Film Festival mean to you personally and for Georgian cinema on the global stage?

For me, as a young filmmaker and a Georgian, the opportunity to share our story with such a wide and diverse audience was incredibly meaningful - and also a huge responsibility. As for Georgian cinema, I hope my film serves as a reminder that cinema and art are powerful, independent, and deeply political spaces. They are living, breathing forces that no amount of censorship can silence.

What was the process of making the film like? What challenges did you face?

Since the film is rooted in the everyday lives of me and my friends, a lot of what I captured on camera felt very familiar. The real challenge was figuring out how to make these personal stories resonate with an audience who might not know anything about Georgia or its struggles. There were also technical hurdles, especially during protests and clashes, where filming safely while capturing the intensity of the moment was a constant balancing act.

What is the central message of your film?

It’s simple: no one can stop a sea of people fighting with love and determination for the future of their country.

What was your experience like at the Berlin Film Festival? How did it feel to see your film premiere on such a prestigious stage?

The premiere was a huge success. The most rewarding part was witnessing the audience’s genuine reactions - even from those reading subtitles. It was incredibly moving to feel that connection with people from all over the world.

How did international audiences react to the film? Did you receive any notable feedback?

The audience deeply connected with the emotional journey of the film. What stood out to me was how many people found our struggle both inspiring and relatable. Many viewers mentioned that the challenges we’re facing in Georgia felt familiar to them, which made the film’s message even more universal.