Georgian-Swedish director Levan Akin continues to captivate audiences with his latest film, 'Crossing,' which premiered at the Berlin Film Festival's Panorama section. The film tells the heartfelt story of Lia, a retired teacher portrayed by Mzia Arabuli, who embarks on a journey from Batumi, Georgia, to Istanbul, Turkey, alongside a young companion named Achi, played by Lucas Kankava. Following the success of his critically acclaimed film 'And Then We Danced' in 2019, Akin was inspired to create 'Crossing.'
While researching for 'And Then We Danced,' Akin encountered a touching story about a supportive grandfather of a transgender grandchild. This narrative, coupled with his desire to showcase representation from the region and tell stories that resonate with audiences, motivated him to craft 'Crossing.' Akin believes that films possess the power to challenge preconceptions and spark new perspectives through different images and narratives.
