13 (TZAMETI)

NARRATIVE, France/Georgia, 2005, 93 minutes; in French with English subtitles

Director/Writer: Géla Babluani
Producers: Jean-Baptiste Legrand, Fanny Saadi

This neo-noir film has caused a sensation wherever it is played, picking up top awards at several prestigious festivals. Whether you love it or are shocked by it, chances are you won’t leave your seat. Clearly, this effort by first-time helmer Gela Babluani has announced the arrival of a major new talent on the scene. Shot in desolate black and white, the director (son of Georgian director Temur Babluani) has learned much from classic East European cinema – eerie faces and images bring Sabine Bauchart’s highly original screenplay to life, and add to a sense of impending dread. The plot centers around Sebastien, a young poor immigrant who overhears a neighbor’s chance at a big score. When the neighbor winds up dead, Sebastian decides to try for the money himself. As he travels by train and car to his increasingly forbidding destination, the viewer is hit with the realization that is perhaps the hallmark of all great films of this genre. Rather than hoping he will turn around, a darker place in our psyche encourages him to keep going. Wherever he’s heading and whatever is waiting for him there, we want to watch. And in true noir fashion, we will pay for that crime. (Ruth Cowing)

• 2005 Venice Festival: Best First Feature Film
• 2006 Sundance Festival: Grand Jury Prize World Cinema

Nabila Daniault was the Color Timer and Production Manager for both 13 (TZAMETI) and Babluani’s next film L’HERITAGE. She has also done visual effects on FEMME FATALE, BARNIE’S MINOR ANNOYANCES and THE CRIMSON RIVERS.