Grassroots Moviemaker: Georgia On My Mind

The dreams and survival of Rufus Rex star at risk in Georgian capital

by Timothy Rhys | Published August 11, 2008

I was about to file my next update on the progress of Rufus Rex, but some things transcend moviemaking, even for me…

Almost three years ago I got a letter from a 15-year-old girl named Anna Gurji who lived in the Republic of Georgia. She said that her father was a writer-director, her older sister was a director and that she herself had already appeared in a few films and commercials. Her constant, passionate dream was to become a professional actress and hopefully work in international productions. I wrote back and she stayed in touch, keeping me updated on her career progress. She landed more film roles and recently garnered serious acclaim for her performance in a Hungarian feature called Cinka Panna. In that film she plays the famous 18th-century gypsy primadonna whose “exceptionally interesting, colorful and emotionally strained life metaphorically points out the movie’s theme, which is the individual’s struggle for recognition and a place in the world.” That quote, which comes directly from the movie’s IMDb website entry, reminds me of Anna’s real-life role, not only as a young artist seeking “recognition and a place in the world,” but as a human being whose struggle just became more dire.

If you’ve seen the news this past week you know that the Republic of Georgia was invaded by Russian troops and is suffering from a horrific bombing campaign which has already claimed the lives of more than 2,000 people, most of them innocent Georgian citizens. Apartment buildings have been hit. Schools have been razed. Even hospitals have been obliterated. I won’t get into the politics here because if you’re interested you can find the backstory easily enough. (Here’s a YouTube link to a graphic BBC report: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ZHfyL6DnyM.) But I will say that what the Russians are doing is unconscionable. Despite a unilateral ceasefire offer from the Georgian president, the bombs continue to fall and civilians continue to die. The Russians are using this conflict to inflict pain on a country on its border which is poised to join the EU. The strategy—to weaken Georgia and keep it off balance and unstable—is transparent, and so far American and European diplomatic overtures have fallen on deaf Russian ears.

My company, Vagabond Pictures, has cast Anna in the lead role in our new independent movie, Rufus Rex, a coming-of-age comedy about a lonely boy on the coast of Maine who falls in love with a beautiful foreign exchange student. But right now all of that is in jeopardy. Anna is at great risk, not only because of the bombs falling nearby and the possibility that her city will soon be cut off, but because she’s an actress who has achieved notoriety in her region and who wants to work abroad—and for those reasons could face further persecution should Georgia’s capital become occupied by the Russians.

Anna lives on the top floor of an apartment building. She and her family sleep in their outdoor clothing in case they need to flee. And all she really wants in life is to make movies. As usual, the people are the pawns in this senseless struggle. The people want to live in peace, the leaders want to grab land. It’s an old, tired story, and kids like Anna routinely have their dreams interrupted or shattered by greed and lack of compassion. In my opinion the only thing as egregious as stealing someone’s dream is taking away his life. In the Republic of Georgia, in the summer of 2008, the Russians are doing both with icy efficiency.

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Comment by Grahame Duffield on 8/11/08 at 3:27 pm

I know Anna and I feel for her in this terrible time in the history of her country - I would like to see her get out, stay out until it is safe to return, and let the politicians who started this disgraceful mess remain to face the music. Give her my love. GD

Comment by Donna DeSeta on 8/11/08 at 3:52 pm

I too have kept in touch with Anna over the last three years. It is my fervent hope that she and her family survive this terrible conflict unscathed… and that you are able to make your film with Anna as planned.
Donna DeSeta

Comment by Carlos Roman on 8/11/08 at 5:10 pm

I have been friends with Anna for quite a while. She played a supporting role in our SciFi PIlot “Signals” with footage shot in Tbilisi. She’s an amassing young actress with a fabulous future ahead of her. I know Anna is a very strong girl as well as determined and I hope soon she will be able to leave Georgia and come to the USA, where my wife and I, not to mention all my actors that have learned about her, will be more than happy to lend a helping hand. She surely deserves it.

Carlos Roman
Producer/Director
Roman Pictures

Comment by Paul Largan on 8/11/08 at 6:20 pm

Timothy, I absolutely share your sentiment. The aggression is simply wrong. Putin’s hatred of Saakashvili is manifesting itself in a collective punishment of an entire country. Russia must ceasefire.

Anna, you’re in our thoughts..

Comment by Tom O'Brien on 8/12/08 at 10:22 am

On May 21 I received an email from a ‘young Georgian actress’, Anna, who had briefly introduced herself and queried whether or not she might be right for any upcoming projects. I have a daughter just a few years younger than Anna, who does not live with me, and when I heard of the ‘heartless’ aggression being unleashed on the Georgians, Anna came to mind. Timothy, would you be so kind as to let me know, as soon as you know, whether there is anything I can do to assist in helping Anna and her family to make it through this very difficult time?

Comment by Jeff Monahan on 8/15/08 at 1:36 pm

It’s sad that someone who craves so much to create should suffer because of people who are more concerned with destruction. When we have a more realistic assessment of what’s important in life, the things that are unimportant, like wars, will cease to exist. I hope to be able to cast Anna in something VERY soon, and work with her for many years to come. Until then, if there’s anything any one of us can do for her and her family, please let me know.

Jeff Monahan
http://www.72ndstfilms.com

Comment by andrew league on 10/07/08 at 9:03 pm

Its so sad i hope everyone is ok. It seems she had some much talent our prayers our with her and her family.

prayers

Comment by izle kop on 10/16/08 at 2:58 am

Anna, you’re in our thoughts..

Comment by Randal Brice on 11/29/08 at 10:01 pm

This is a very touching story, it just goes to show what we take for granted here in the states so much. Your a great person for doing what you and bringing this to light !

Comment by Tamagotchi Town on 12/26/08 at 5:31 am