The film demands that you, the viewer, engage immediately and unceasingly with the protagonists and their plight, leaving you drained and astounded. — Deirdre Towers
Although AND THEN WE DANCED—the first LGBTQ drama set in Georgia—has received widespread critical acclaim across Eastern Europe (winning Best Film and Best Actor this year at Odessa), the film’s shooting schedule was frequently disrupted and the set in Tbilisi often resembled a guerrilla production. Earlier this month right-wing groups staged violent protests outside the hometown premiere—which was standing-room only—and it was noted that the film’s choreographer is credited as “Anonymous,” for fear of losing his job.
A story of same-sex attraction among two members of the National Georgian Ensemble, AND THEN WE DANCED will screen on the closing days of this year’s AFI FEST presented by Audi. The film’s leads—Levan Gelbakhiani (a phenomenal young actor making his debut) and Bachi Valishvili—will join their director Levan Akin for post-screening conversations with the audience.
Wednesday, November 20, at 2:45 pm.
Thursday, November 21, at 8:45 pm.
Chinese Theatre
6801 Hollywood Boulevard, Los Angeles.
Levan Akin, And Then We Danced (2019), from top: Levan Gelbakhiani; Gelbakhiani and Anna Javakishvili; Bachi Valishvili (left) and Gelbakhiani (2); poster; Gelbakhiani and Valishvili (2); Gelbakhiani. Images courtesy and © the filmmaker, the actors, the photographers, Quarter Film, and Takes Film.
