REZO, Docu-Animation Film on Georgian Artist Rezo Gabriadze to Open in LA

Rezo, a new film that mixes documentary storytelling and animation, directed by Leo Gabriadze will open October 18 at Laemmle Music Hall in Los Angeles. The film will also have special event screenings at Laemmle Monica in Santa Monica, Laemmle Glendale and Laemmle Town Center in Encino.

Rezo tells a gripping yet whimsical tale of a young man trying to survive the brutality and uncertainty of post World War II life in Soviet Georgia. That young man would grow up to become celebrated writer, artist and puppeteer Rezo Gabriadze, and this new film is a cinematic exploration created by his son, Leo Gabriadze. The narrative structure is unique, reminiscent of the adaptation of American Splendor from a few years ago, in that Leo chose to have a testimonial interview with his father and animated sequences to highlight memories of 70 years ago

“The first time I approached this idea was in ’94,” Leo said. “Growing up in a household of a writer and a truly gifted storyteller, you hear hundreds of stories, some heartbreaking and others heartwarming, but all beautiful and life affirming. The film is comprised of a tapestry of these tales, which I seamed together and made into one unified story.”

Rezo Gabriadze is best known as the screenwriter of the iconic Soviet movies Mimino and Kin-dza-dza. He has been awarded the title of Commander of the Order of Arts and Literature in France, and the New Yorker magazine recognized his Stalingrad as one the best theatrical performances of 2010. His sculptures adorn the streets of St. Petersburg and Odessa.

Timur Bekmambetov, world renowned director and the producer of Rezo, first met the famed artist over 25 years ago and they have not parted since. “Rezo has become family for me. This movie is my homage to a senior colleague and a sign of the deepest recognition of his identity, talent and incredible charm. There is no room for indifference in his stories. They cut directly to the heart.”

Rezo will be presented with the award-winning animated short Tweet-Tweet (total running time for this program is 75 min).