Russian-language cinema unwelcome in Georgia

Throughout the recent conflict in the Caucasus, Georgia was criticised for clamping down on media freedom: Russian internet sites and TV Channels were cut. As relations between Tbilisi and Moscow continue to sour, Russian culture has now become the latest

First, Georgian president Mikhail Saakashvilli dressed his soldiers in American uniforms, then he attacked Russian citizens in South Ossetia. Now he’s taking on a new front – Russian culture.

Since the war, no Russian websites or TV channels have been available in Georgia and for the last few weeks no Russian dubbed films.

Whereas older Georgians speak Russian, most youngsters today are more comfortable with English. This is why teenage Rusudan Samunashvili prefers to come to the cinema with her friends and not her parents. For the new generation, Hollywood is cool – and English is in.

“It’s a good idea to watch films only in English and in Georgian. Georgian is our native language and it’s easy to watch in Georgian. English is an international language, it’s more interesting to watch films in English, I like it,” she says.

Elena Darbaidze-Stkdag’s parents and grandparents are Georgian and her husband is from Turkey. But she prefers to speak to her son in Russian.

“Russian is becoming more and more sparse, especially in Georgia. Moreover, half the world speaks Russian and I prefer my son to speak Russian because it will just be an asset for him in future,” Elena explains her choice.

But for the people of the Samatskhe-Javakheti region of Georgia Russian is not just a language – it’s a lifeline. For dozens of years the Russian army was stationed there and their military base gave everyone a job. Translators, cooks, and teachers were able to work only because they knew Russian. But today the base is empty – and so are people’s pockets.

“When the Russians were here people got the salaries so you know, with more money, better life. Today we don’t have enough work. Most of the people go to Russia to make money,” complains villager Sergo Aromo.

The Georgian government promised to bring its army to fill the empty barracks but so far nobody’s come.