The Antique, also known as ანტიკვარიატი, is a 2024 drama film directed by Rusudan Glurjidze. The film is inspired by the 2006 deportation of Georgians from Russia. It tells the story of a Georgian woman who moves in with an old man in Saint Petersburg. She faces trouble as Russian authorities try to deport Georgians from the country. This film is a joint production between Georgia, Russia, Croatia, Finland, and Germany. It is Glurjidze’s second film, following House of Others (2016).
The Antique was supposed to premiere on August 28, 2024, but the screening was delayed. This happened due to a legal issue. Russian, Croatian, and Cypriot companies obtained a court order in Venice, which stopped the screening. The issue was about a copyright dispute. The decree is still in place, and the injunction against the Georgian company Cinetech Ltd is still valid.
Where was Antikvariati filmed?
The shooting of The Antique happened from January 25 to April 11, 2022. This period covered winter and early spring, which contributed to the film’s atmosphere and visuals. Filming for The Antique took place in two main locations:
Saint Petersburg, Russia: The film was shot in Saint Petersburg, which is a major city in Russia. The city’s historic and cultural sites were used to add authenticity to the film’s setting.
Tbilisi, Georgia: Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, was another important filming location. The city’s unique architecture and atmosphere helped in portraying the Georgian perspective in the film.
Issues During Production
During and after filming, the movie faced several challenges. The Russian Ministry of Culture asked for 16 scenes to be removed from the film. There were also attempts to obstruct the film, including the confiscation of filmed material at customs.
Controversies and Allegations
Zurab Magalashvili, a producer of the film, claimed that the co-producers wanted the removal of the 16 scenes. However, the co-producers denied this. They said they had not seen the scenes or the final cut of the film. They also mentioned that Magalashvili was the only person who controlled the film material and the editing process. They argued that any interference from their side was not possible.
Russudan Glurjidze’s claims of “Censorship in the heart of Europe” were also contested. The co-producers argued that these claims were not true and were disrespectful to the EU and Italy. They said these claims undermined the integrity of Italy’s legal system.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – The Antique
Q: Where was The Antique filmed?
A: The Antique was filmed in two main locations. The primary filming took place in Saint Petersburg, Russia, known for its historic and cultural sites. The second major location was Tbilisi, Georgia, which provided an important backdrop for the story. Both cities played a crucial role in creating the film’s atmosphere.
Q: When was The Antique filmed?
A: The filming of The Antique occurred between January 25 and April 11, 2022. This time frame included winter and early spring, which influenced the film’s look and feel. The shooting schedule allowed the filmmakers to capture the essence of both Saint Petersburg and Tbilisi during these seasons.
Q: What was the release date of The Antique?
A: The Antique was initially set to premiere on August 28, 2024. However, due to a legal issue, the release was delayed. The film eventually premiered on September 6, 2024, at the Giornate degli Autori section of the 81st Venice International Film Festival.
Q: Who is the cast of The Antique?
A: The cast of The Antique includes Nino Kirtadze, who plays the Georgian woman central to the story. Oleg Sintsov stars as the old man she moves in with, and Viktor Sobolev appears as a Russian authority figure. These actors bring the film’s characters to life with their performances.
Q: Who directed The Antique?
A: The Antique was directed by Rusudan Glurjidze. She is known for her previous film, House of Others (2016). Glurjidze’s direction in The Antique continues her focus on telling compelling stories with deep cultural and emotional themes.
