FESTIVAL TODAY

Two decades after its founding, the Batumi International Art-House Film Festival has become one of Georgia’s leading international cultural events and a distinctive meeting place for independent cinema on the Black Sea.

Rooted in Batumi and international in outlook, BIAFF brings together contemporary cinema, Georgian film heritage, emerging talent, established filmmakers, industry professionals and audiences. It is not only a showcase for films, but a platform for artistic discovery, professional exchange and cultural dialogue. georgian version

20TH EDITION • 19—26 SEPTEMBER • 50+ FILMS • 200 SCREENINGS

The festival extends beyond the traditional cinema hall. Gala premieres and major ceremonies take place at the Batumi Drama Theatre, while the main programme is screened at Cavea Grand Mall. Open-air screenings at Iveria Beach and Europe Square bring cinema into Batumi’s public spaces and connect the festival with the city’s streets, architecture and Black Sea coastline. For eight days, Batumi itself becomes part of the festival experience.

CINEMA IN THE CITY

BATUMI DRAMA THEATRE · CAVEA GRAND MALL · IVERIA BEACH · EUROPE SQUARE

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THE PROGRAMME TODAY

BIAFF’s programme brings together different generations, perspectives and traditions of cinema. From new international voices and contemporary independent filmmaking to established filmmakers, special screenings and programmes dedicated to Georgian film heritage, the festival creates a space for discovery, dialogue and encounters between filmmakers and audiences.

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THE PROGRAMME IN FOCUS

MASTERS OF CINEMA

Contemporary cinema, shaped by distinctive voices

BIAFF’s programme also creates space for filmmakers whose work has shaped contemporary cinema. The Masters Collection brings together films by internationally recognised directors, including Ryusuke Hamaguchi, Agnieszka Holland, Paweł Pawlikowski, Asghar Farhadi, Paolo Sorrentino, Cristian Mungiu, Volker Schlöndorff and Ulrike Ottinger.

Their presence reflects one of BIAFF’s continuing ambitions: to present new discoveries alongside filmmakers whose work has already become part of the history of contemporary cinema.

GEORGIAN FILM HERITAGE

Georgian cinema, from heritage to new generations

Restored Georgian films form an important part of BIAFF’s programme, bringing the country’s cinematic heritage to new audiences and creating a connection between the history of Georgian cinema and the independent cinema of today.

The festival also creates space for younger audiences to encounter this heritage. A dedicated children’s programme introduces them to restored classics of Georgian animation, offering an opportunity to discover some of Georgia’s most distinctive cinematic works.

Scene from the film "Flight of The Sparrows" by Temur Babluani

BEYOND THE SCREEN

BIAFF brings audiences into direct contact with the people behind the films. Public masterclasses, press conferences and meetings with directors, producers, actors and film critics create opportunities for discussion and make the experience of international cinema extend beyond the screen.

Critics’ and Youth Juries bring professional and generational perspectives to the festival, while BIAFF’s Lifetime Achievement Awards honour outstanding contributions to Georgian and world cinema.

ALTERNATIVE WAVE

Professional development is an essential part of BIAFF today.

Through its industry platform, Alternative Wave, the festival supports selected Georgian and international projects through development workshops, international mentoring, pitching sessions, networking opportunities and awards. The programme helps emerging filmmakers strengthen their projects, build professional relationships and create opportunities for international collaboration and co-production.

DEVELOPMENT · MENTORING · PITCHING · NETWORKING · CO-PRODUCTION

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20TH EDITION

Cinema meets the city, the sea, music and people.

International in character and deeply connected to Batumi, BIAFF remains committed to independent voices, cultural memory, emerging filmmakers and the shared experience of discovering cinema together.