A growing number of Georgian writers and artists are being imprisoned, leading to a profound sense of abandonment among the nation's cultural community and a quiet exodus of its young people. This sentiment is particularly strong among those who feel increasingly isolated from Europe, despite continued anti-government protests following the cessation of Georgia's EU membership negotiations.
Cultural gatherings, such as the Tbilisi International Literature Festival and the Tbilisi Film Festival, have become vital, albeit increasingly destitute, havens for free expression. Attendees express gratitude to foreign guests for their presence, viewing it as an act of defiance against what some describe as rising populist and fundamentalist forces. However, many Europeans who had established roots in Tbilisi over decades are now leaving, a trend described as an "alarm bell" by some observers. This departure, alongside the quiet emigration of young Georgians seeking new lives in cities like Lisbon, Dublin, or Berlin, fuels fears of a diminishing intellectual and non-conformist segment of society.
The imprisonment of prominent figures like poet Zviad Ratiani and actor Andro Chichinadze has become a focal point for resistance. Ratiani, arrested after an incident involving a police officer, remains incarcerated, his symbolic defiance during his court hearing resonating deeply within the artistic community. Similarly, Chichinadze, a charming and talented actor, has been transformed into a symbol of opposition, his name frequently invoked at cultural events.
These developments unfold against a backdrop of renewed anti-government protests since the Georgian government halted negotiations for EU membership. The cultural sector, already facing financial challenges, finds itself navigating an environment where artistic expression can lead to imprisonment. The Tbilisi International Film Festival, for instance, despite its historical importance, was notably impoverished this year, with its opening film choice seemingly influenced by diplomatic gestures rather than artistic merit.
Adding to the complex political and cultural landscape is the perceived resurgence of Joseph Stalin's cult, mirroring trends seen in Russia. This phenomenon, coupled with what is described as a rebirth of "absurd ideas of Georgian messianism" and the promotion of a unique Georgian civilisation by unknown professors and pseudoscientists, creates a challenging environment for critical thought and international engagement. The cultural community views these festivals as critical spaces to connect with like-minded individuals, away from the constant pressure of political protests, and to maintain a sense of shared intellectual identity.