BLACKBIRD BLACKBIRD BLACKBERRY
SWITZERLAND

Director: Elene Naveriani
Cast: Eka Chavleishvili, Temiko Chinchinadze
Genre: Drama, Romance
110 minutes: Georgian with English subtitles – 2023
Rating: 16 L N P S
Etero, a 48-year-old woman living in a small village in Georgia, never wanted a husband. She cherishes her freedom as much as her cakes. But her choice to live alone is the cause of much gossip among her fellow villagers. Unexpectedly, she finds herself passionately falling for a man, and is suddenly faced with the decision to pursue a relationship or continue a life of independence. Etero must grapple with her feelings and decide how to find her own path to happiness.
Much more than a simple small-town story, this film makes a powerful statement about ageism, body politics, sexual awakening, and self-empowerment. Full of cutting wry humour, Elene Naveriani’s Blackbird Blackbird Blackberry was a standout at this year’s Swiss Film Awards where it won Best Film, Best Editing, and Best Screenplay. It also won Best Film and Best Actress awards at Sarajevo Film Festival, and was selected for the Director’s Fortnight at Cannes 2023.
An endearing, bittersweet portrait of an independent woman at the mercy of society’s entrenched expectations.
Allan Hunter, Screen International
With wonderfully real characters, filmmaker Elene Naveriani maintains a slow-burning vibe that ripples with underlying humour and tensions.
Rich Cline, Shadows on the Wall
A meditative feminist subversion of a coming-of-age tale, spearheaded by a magnificent turn from Chavleishvili.
Andrew Murray, The Upcoming
A gentle, sensual gem of a film.
Peter Bradshaw, Guardian
Wry, sensuous and surprisingly subversive.
Kate Stables, Total Film.