Art, music, and film production in Georgia | Adventures for creative people

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Throughout Georgia’s long history, it has always been home to many extremely talented musicians and artists. I personally think that this is partially a natural gift of the Georgian people and partially from an inspiration only the mountains themselves can bring. Today is no different – Georgia’s art scene is thriving, from traditional groups who perform unique Georgian polyphonic songs and acrobatic dances to contemporary artists, painters, electronic musicians, poets, and more.

A Land of Inspiration

I’m a musician and poet myself, and dabble in many of the other arts, such as filmmaking, photography, and painting. I have certainly felt in my own way the call of the mountains, and I can say that my time in Georgia has been hugely influential on my work. I believe that Georgia is an incredibly inspiring place for artists of all kinds to work on their projects. Whether you are a photographer or filmmaker looking for new subjects and stories, a writer in search of compelling phrases, a musician with an ear for things out of the ordinary, or just want to try performing or exhibiting some of your works in a new place, I can help you bring fulfillment to your aspirations in Georgia. I’m very well connected with the local artistic scene, from Tbilisi to the regions, and I can help bring you to the places and introduce you to the people that can make your vision a reality. Feel free to get in touch if you have any questions about artistic possibilities, photography tours, or film production in Georgia.

Georgian Traditional Music and Dance

Georgia also has a lot to offer to the people who aren’t artists themselves but nevertheless appreciate art and music. I would highly recommend, if you have a chance while you are here, to listen to some live polyphonic music and watch traditional Georgian dances. These are the true soul of the Georgian nation, and you are sure to hear sounds and see sights you have never seen before. Finding a performance can be tricky, but one of the best and most intimate ways to experience Georgian music is to visit musicians themselves and enjoy some Georgian hospitality with them. Every region of Georgia has its own particular style of folk song and its own groups which keep up the traditions, so this is something which is always a great possibility to include in any tour. Getting a full-sized dancing troupe together is a little harder than the three people minimum for polyphony, but it’s definitely possible – and improvised routines often find a way of breaking out in the middle of a good get-together. As always, I’m happy to arrange an afternoon or evening like this if that would be of interest to you.

First three images below: stills from some short films I directed in different parts of Georgia as a part of Caucasus Cinema, an international program for film production in Georgia.

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Bare tree silhouette against misty mountains at twilight with the white subtitle text Earth, beloved, I will.

“Sirius and the Spider / Ninth Elegy“, shot on Danakhvisi Mountain, Kartli. Image credit: Salome Akhaladze.

Calm ocean water stretches horizontally beneath a vast sky of heavy, dark blue clouds with a soft hint of sunset light.

“The Threshold“, shot in Anaklia, Samegrelo. Image credit: Nat Rowbotham

Single lone tree standing on a vast, windswept field of golden dry grass under a pale cloudy sky.

“Forgotten Angels“, shot in Udabno, Kakheti. Image credit: Nat Rowbotham

Weathered fresco showing a crouching figure above a row of three stylized turquoise butterfly motifs.

Details of the medieval frescoes in Ikvi church, Kartli.

Ancient fresco featuring a haloed figure in red robes alongside a reddish winged being against a dark cosmic backdrop.

Details of the high medieval frescoes in Tsalenjikha cathedral, Samegrelo.

Fragmented fresco portraying three haloed angels with visible wings against a weathered, scratched plaster wall.

Details of the early medieval frescoes in the abandoned Sabereebi cave monastery, Kakheti.

Fragmented fresco portraying a pale standing figure with outstretched arms positioned next to a painted human skull.

Details of the late medieval frescoes in the Maghalaant church, Kartli.

Intricate gold-leaf ceiling mural in Tbilisi featuring a central winged cherub surrounded by dark floral motifs.

Details of the 19th-century painted ceiling at the N9 art gallery (formerly the house of a Persian merchant), Tbilisi.

Photographer standing on a rocky outcrop overlooking a turquoise river against the backdrop of autumn-colored mountains.

Photographer Tom Pinnegar on assignment documenting the Rioni Valley of Lechkhumi in autumn.

Intricate cross carving with geometric patterns and stylized leaf motifs embedded in a weathered stone wall at Gudarekhi.

Details of a medieval carving on the belltower of Gudarekhi church in Kartli.