The Men’s Land (კაცების მიწა)

Mariam Bakacho Khatchvani

In Georgia, Ushguli mountain customs dictate that in the absence of a son, a family’s land must be handed down to the next male relative who will perpetuate the family name. The Men’s Land follows the journey of an aspiring singer as she fights for her property in the face of dated local rules and traditions, her song becoming a bulwark against humiliation.

Georgia, Hungary 2025, '15

DIRECTOR: Mariam Bakacho Khatchvani

SCENARIO: Mariam Bakacho Khatchvani

CAMERA: Gabriel Jobava, Nukri Khatchvani, David Kvatchantiradze

MONTAGE: Elene Asatiani

MUSIC: Tamta Manzulashvili (Sound Design)

PRODUCERS: Teimuraz Chkhvimiani, Vladimer Katcahrava, Archil Gelovani, Lado Marghania

PRODUCTION: Svaneti Film Studio, Murraba Films, 20 Steps Productions, Independent Film Project

FESTIVALS & AWARDS:

Sarajevo FF (2025): Sarajevo Heart Winner
IDFA
Visions Du Réel
Vilnius International short FF
Montenegro FF
Grimstad Short FF
Adelaide FF
Uppsala short FF
Bolton FF
River FF

Mariam Bakacho Khatchvani

Mariam Bakacho Khatchvani, born on May 1, 1986, in Ushguli, Georgia, is a Georgian film director and screenwriter. She graduated from the Shota Rustaveli Theatre and Film University in 2008. Her 2013 short film Dinola was screened at over 300 festivals, including Clermont-Ferrand, and was nominated for a European Film Award. Her debut feature film Dede won the Jury Prize at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival and received the UNESCO Award at the Asia Pacific Screen Awards. She has participated in Cinéfondation residence de Cannes, Berlinale Talents, Locarno Academy, Sundance Lab, EAVE, and others.