BLACK SHEEP

SHASHVI SHASHVI MAQ’VALI

2023 / 110 min / color

Elena Naveriani’s film premiered at last year’s Cannes Film Festival to rave reviews. It’s based on an acclaimed Georgian novel, written as a long monologue by its female protagonist. Etero, a woman in her late forties (an electrifying performance from Eka Chavleishvili, who won awards for her performance at the Sarajevo and Cottbus Film Festivals), lives in a small, remote village and leads a rather lonely existence. She doesn’t have a family and has never been interested in love affairs, and over the years this has led to plenty of malicious comments from other women. Then one day an accident occurs which causes Etero to undergo a sudden transformation and a fiery sexual awakening. She sets out on a brave journey of self-discovery, going up against the harsh cultural realities of rural Georgia. In this modern feminist film, Naveriani presents a precise and pointed critique of stereotypes around mature female sexuality and corporeality as well as mocking the conservative values and social norms that try to put limitations on Etero’s place in the world. Against all odds, she’s determined to live her life to the fullest.

• Sarajevo IFF – Best Film, Best Actress (Eka Chavieishvili);
• Cottbus FF – Best Actress (Eka Chavieishvili), Award of the Ecumenical Jury