PRESENTED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE EMBASSY OF GEORGIA

When Varlam Aravidze (Avtandil Makharadze), the mayor of a small Georgian town, passes away, he receives a solemn funeral befitting any respected statesman. But the peace in which he rests is short-lived: the next day, his corpse is found in the garden of his family home. The body is reburied, but despite best efforts, Varlem is repeatedly unearthed by unknown culprits. As the townspeople try to figure out who keeps digging up their dead mayor – and why – the despotic nature of his oppressive regime comes to light.

Screening in celebration of 30 years of Australian-Georgian diplomatic relations, this critically acclaimed anti-totalitarian fable was recently restored in preparation for a return visit last year to the Cannes Film Festival – where it originally premiered in 1987 and won three prizes, including the Grand Prix jury award.