Levan Akin

This fine film combines the coming-out experience of Merab, a student training in Georgian national dance, with a look at the generational gap in Georgian society, where ABBA and cell phones coexist uncomfortably with the Orthodox church and traditional values. The actors give strong performances, while the dance scenes and the Georgian polyphonic singing alone make the film well worth tracking down. The DVD also offers valuable interviews with Levan Akin, the writer and director. His commentary track provides additional insight into the culture.… (mere)