Chai Docs

After she discovers canisters of undeveloped film shot by her late father, Elene sets out on a journey to collaborate with him on a special project. Between the earth and the land of the dead, a darkroom becomes the only dimension where the paths of a father and a daughter can cross.

In a small sewing atelier in Baku, Azerbaijan, the country’s most important symbol, the flag, is being crafted against the backdrop of the second Karabakh war in 2020. As customers enter, political agendas and propagandistic narratives infiltrate the workshop, blending with the stories of the seamstresses who are bringing the national emblem to life.

The film tells the story of four different protagonists whose experiences ultimately merge into one narrative. Georgians who emigrated to France fight tirelessly for survival. One of the world’s most touristic cities becomes both a refuge and a last hope for many emigrants. The film uncovers corners of Paris that seem hidden within a city better known for its tourist attractions. Parallel Movements is a Georgia that exists beyond its borders. It resonates with the story of every Georgian who has already left, is leaving now, or will leave the country in the future.

Pavla and Levan meet in Sarajevo, documenting their journeys through photos and videos. After political unrest intensifies simultaneously in Serbia and Georgia, their reality begins to shift. Through reconstructed messages, we follow their journey from hope to uncertainty. Now, armed with cameras, they depict fragments of resistance, capturing a world in turmoil around them.