Khabarda

On April 5, we invite you to the screening of “Khabarda” and a sound performance of Nana Takvarelia and Ben Wheeler. The event is part of a collaborative project between Ubani and SOOOON SPACE – “Cinematic Cityscape: Tbilisi Urban Narratives in Film.”

"Khabarda," or "Step Aside," is a silent film released in 1931, directed by Mikheil Chiaureli. This satirical comedy takes its title from a phrase commonly shouted by Tbilisi cab drivers, meaning "Give us way." The film's title references a futuristic revolt that urges people to "step aside" anyone who obstructs the grand construction of Tbilisi as a socialist city and the broader plan to reconstruct its streets.

Ana Chorgolashvili’s introductory talk will examine the political and sociocultural context of the movie. It will further address the architectural and urban transformations of Tbilisi in the 1920s and introduce the artistic movements that informed the movie’s visual language, dramaturgy, and narrative structure.

The movie will be accompanied by a live soundtrack from musician and environmentalist Nana Takvarelia and musician, musicologist, and educator Ben Wheeler. The sound performance utilizes the musicians’ unique approach to sound design, blending library samples, field recording, and synthesis.

“The experimentalism and diversity of the hybrid score is meant to mirror the ethos of Georgia’s early silent films, while providing a distinct and contrasting pacing. In particular, sounds accompanying propagandic portions of the film do not enhance the intended ideological affect, but instead serve as shifting sonic backdrops, changing focus and altering perceptions.” – Nana Takvarelia & Ben Wheeler

Program:
20:00 – Opening talk by Ana Chorgolashvili
20:30 – Screening of “Khabarda” & Sound performance
21:30 – Refreshments & Informal discussions

Visitors Info:
Entrance – 20 GEL (the tickets can be purchased at the door)
Language – The movie is silent with Russian intertitles and simultaneous English translation

Location:
SOOOON SPACE
Dimitri Arakishvili #18, Tbilisi

About Ubani:
Ubani — Tbilisi Cityscape Research Center is a non-profit organisation committed to exploring and promoting the architectural heritage and urban landscape of Tbilisi

About SOOOON SPACE:
SOOOON SPACE — Founded and curated by the multidisciplinary art collective Flowgardenz, SOOOON SPACE creates an environment where art, design, nature research, and contemporary cultural practices coexist and enhance one another

Additional information can be found on the Ubani website: https://ubani.center/.../movie-screening-khabarda.../