Georgia, widely recognised as the cradle of wine, with archaeological traces of winemaking dating back 8,000 years, has just celebrated the second edition of WineCast (20-24 August), its international film and wine festival. Conceived by filmmaker Tamta Gabrichidze and Rusudan Chumbadze, director of the Tbilisi Wine Museum, the event brings together cinema, viticulture and gastronomy in a singular cultural encounter.

This year, the festival began in Tbilisi before moving to the prestigious Château Mukhrani, a historic palace and winery known for its architecture, vineyards and long winemaking tradition. Against this backdrop, WineCast offered a carefully curated film programme divided into three sections (shorts, feature films and wine) and gastronomy-themed cinema, alongside open-air screenings, master classes, concerts and tastings. Around 30 wineries from Georgia and abroad presented their finest labels in a convivial space that invited discovery, learning and exchange.

The film competition was judged by Valerio Caruso, director of Cineuropa, and British journalist and documentary filmmaker Robin Forestier-Walker. Five Georgian titles were in the running: Drummer by Kote Kalandadze, a powerful story of an apparently weak man defying social oppression; Holy Electricity [+leggi anche:
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intervista: Tato Kotetishvili
scheda film] by Tato Kotetishvili, a surrealist fable reflecting Georgia’s magical side; Smiling Georgia [+leggi anche:
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intervista: Luka Beradze
scheda film] by Luka Boradze, a measured critique of the political system; Blueberry Dreams by Elene Mikaberidze, a tender documentary on the lives of farmers; and Venice by Rusdan Chkonia, a technically accomplished huis clos that subtly questions the country’s urban sector. The jury rewarded Holy Electricity for its subtle humour and its characters that are both tender and absurd.

In parallel with the film competition, the festival hosted a wine competition, with categories such as red, amber, classic and dessert wines. Awards included the People’s Choice and the Sommelier’s Choice, honouring the best vintages presented at the event. Pitch session winners also received prizes offered by participating wineries, ranging from exclusive wine packages to hotel stays.

Beyond screenings and tastings, WineCast fostered dialogue between the film and wine industries with workshops, networking sessions and master classes led by international experts. Live music, parties, Georgian gastronomy and the château’s scenic setting created an atmosphere where professional exchange blended naturally with celebration.

With its fusion of cinema and viticulture, WineCast is carving out a unique identity on the festival circuit. More than just a showcase for films or wines, it positions itself as an immersive cultural experience, reflecting Georgia’s ancient heritage while opening its doors to the world. As the organisers underline, the ambition is to grow more international each year, offering filmmakers, wine lovers and travellers alike an unforgettable rendezvous in one of the world’s oldest winemaking regions.