Georgia, a country located on the border of Europe and Asia, is a place where the interests of the great powers have long clashed. Its northern regions of Khevsuretia and Svaneti, rugged and beautiful places that still retain their uniqueness, remain outside the mainstream. But how does the history of Soviet oppression, current political uncertainty, and rapidly advancing globalisation affect these regions?
We cordially invite you to a screening of two documentary films – Holy Places and The Silver Shield of Georgia – that will take you to these Caucasian regions. Come and immerse yourself in a world of ancient customs, vanishing traditions, and extraordinary works of art made of gold and silver hidden in the mountains. You will discover how far the desire to touch a fragile cultural heritage can take us.

The screening will take place on April 11, 2025 at 19:00 at the Pilotů Cinema (Donská 168, Prague – Vršovice). A discussion with the filmmakers will follow.

Admission to the screening is voluntary.

Screening programme

Holy Places
directed by Kryštof Kerndl, Matyáš Lednický, Martin Lednický, Czech Republic-Georgia, 2023, 15 minutes
A short documentary about the peculiar form of religious traditions and cultural identity in the Georgian region of Khevsureti.

The documentary was created as a project of students of the Faculty of Arts of Charles University and FAMU.

The Silver Shield of Georgia. Svaneti and its hidden treasures
directed by Gajane Achverdjanová, Anna Kelblová, Czech Republic-Georgia, 2024, 32 minutes
The film tells the story of the enormous cultural wealth hidden in the unassuming churches of the most remote parts of the Caucasus. The inhabitants of the Svanetia region of Georgia have been protecting these treasures for generations, which is why they have survived even the most difficult historical periods. Visit inaccessible places with a group of scientists who have unlocked the door to the past for the local people.

The documentary film was produced for RE:CENT – Center for Medieval Visual Cultures and Research Communication in cooperation with the Université de Fribourg within the project “Cultural dialogues in the South Caucasus region in the Middle Ages: a historiographical and historical-artistic perspective” with the financial support of the Grant Agency of the Czech Republic.