In Citizen Saint, Georgia’s Oscar Entry, directed by Tinatin Kajrishvili, On the main square of an oppressive mining town stands a cross depicting a saint, regarded by the local miners as their protector. One day, the cross is taken down for repair and the statue of the saint suddenly vanishes. When a mysterious stranger appears among them, the residents believe the saint has come to life, but after initially celebrating his presence, the residents realize that an ordinary man can’t protect them from misfortunes. This evocatively shot black-and-white satirical parable about a saint who descends the cross to live among mortals sees faith serve as a metaphor for how we engage with cultural totems.
Variety called the film “Stunningly monochrome, strikingly gorgeous”; The Film Verdict said it is “Hauntingly beautiful. Blending elements of a dark fairy tale, social realism and bitterly absurd satire.”
Tinatin Kajrishvili, Citizen Saint Director was born in Tbilisi, Georgia in 1978. In 2001 she graduated from 
the State Theatre and Film University of Georgia with the qualification of Film Director. In 2014 she directed and wrote the screenplay to her first feature Film “Brides”. In 2018 she directed and wrote the screenplay to her second feature Film “Horizon”. Both films premiered at Berlin International Film Festival. She is a member of Georgian Filmmakers Union.
Filmography
2018 “Horizon” (feature film) 105min, Georgia – Sweden. World Premiere at 68th Berlin International Film Festival. North American premiere – Cinequest IFF. Balkan premiere – Sarajevo IFF. Middle East Premiere – Aswan IFF (Best actor and critics prize), Asian premiere – Hong Kong IFF. Other festivals: Almaty IFF (Best actor), Sochi IFF (Best film, Best production design), Golden Apricot IFF (Fipresci award), Santa Fe IFF (Best film), Haifa IFF, Moscow Horizons IFF (Best cinematography), Valladolid IFF, Batumi IFF (Best director), Transatlantic IFF and others.
2014 “Brides” (feature film) 93 min, Georgia – France. World Premiere at 64th Berlin International Film Festival (Panorama Audience award). North American premiere -Tribeca IFF. South American Premier – Rio IFF. Asian premiere – Busan IFF. Middle East premiere – Cairo IFF (Best director), Balkan premiere – Sarajevo IFF (Jury prize, Best actress), Other festivals: London BFI, Stockholm IFF, Scanorama IFF, Tallinn Black Nights, Sofia IFF, Romania IFF (Best actress), Varna IFF (Best director), Batumi IFF (Best director), Milan IFF, Trieste IFF and others.
Lasha Khalvashi, Citizen Saint Producer was born in Georgia. From 2006 he worked in different fields of 
the creative industry. Managed several film production studios before he found his own company “Artizm” in 2013. Produced films which had international success and won prestigious prizes on festivals. Participated in many film industry activities (workshops, platforms, panel discussions, jury). Was selected for “Producers on the move” by EFP. Named among “10 to Watch” producers by “Variety”. In 2018, film produced by Lasha Khalvashi was selected as OSCARS entry from Georgia.
Lasha Khalvashi is a member of EAVE network, ACE network, European Film Academy, APSA Academy, Georgian Film Academy and The Film Producers Guild of Georgia.
Company profile
Studio “ARTIZM” was established in 2013. Focuses on emerging talents and international co-productions. Produces full length films, shorts, tv series, documentaries and animations.
Selected filmography
“Citizen Saint” (Georgia, France, Bulgaria/2023) Feature, Director – Tinatin Kajrishvili
“Horizon” (Georgia, Sweden/2018) Feature, Director – Tina – tin Kajrishvili
“Scary Mother” (Georgia, Estonia/2017) Feature, Director – Ana Urushadze
“Brides” (Georgia, France/2014) Feature, Director – Tinatin Kajrishvili