Why Film in Georgia?
Diverse landscapes ideal for any genre – from mountains to seaside.
Georgia is located on the southern slopes of the Caucasus Mountains, along the eastern coast of the Black Sea, at the crossroads of Southeastern Europe and Western Asia. This strategic position, combined with the country's rare and breathtakingly diverse terrain, makes Georgia an exceptional filming destination.
The landscape features dramatic mountain ranges, lowland plains, and a vast network of rivers, glaciers, lakes, wetlands, and waterfalls. From alpine peaks to subtropical coastlines, Georgia offers a wide variety of natural backdrops—all within short distances.
With all four seasons clearly defined, Georgia provides a full spectrum of weather conditions: sunshine, clouds, fog, rain, wind, and snow—sometimes even simultaneously in different regions. This makes it possible to capture a range of moods and atmospheres without ever leaving the country.
Home to over 13,000 species of flora, Georgia’s rich vegetation adds vibrant color and depth to any scene. The striking contrast between untouched nature and centuries-old urban landscapes across a relatively compact area allows filmmakers to find the perfect setting for almost any story.
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Architecture
Georgia’s location at the crossroads of Western and Eastern civilizations has given rise to a rich and diverse architectural heritage shaped by centuries of cultural exchange. Over time, the country has managed to evolve while preserving a strong sense of individuality.
Georgia’s architectural landscape brings together a stunning array of styles and structures. From ancient fortresses, royal palaces, cave monasteries, and early Christian basilicas dating back to the 3rd–5th centuries, to the monumental stone architecture of the medieval period, Soviet-era residential blocks, and sleek, modern glass constructions—this diversity offers filmmakers a unique palette of visual textures and historical depth.
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Financial Advantage
Filming in Georgia comes with substantial financial benefits. The government reimburses 20% of qualified production expenses, with the opportunity to receive an additional 5% cashback for productions that pass the Cultural Test. Qualified expenses include all costs directly spent during the production process within Georgia. To meet the Cultural Test, the final product should include elements that promote Georgian culture, heritage, or locations. [Learn more here.]
Georgia also offers access to a skilled and experienced local workforce. Compared to European markets, labor costs are significantly lower, while the quality of work remains impressively high. Overall production costs—including accommodation, catering, transportation, and materials—are much more affordable than in many other countries.
Filming in public spaces and government-owned buildings, both exterior and interior, is free of charge. Local authorities are known for being cooperative and production-friendly, offering smooth collaboration throughout.
Beyond financial incentives, Georgia provides a safe and welcoming environment, world-renowned cuisine, and the prestige of being the cradle of wine—all of which contribute to a pleasant and inspiring production experience.
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Culture
Georgia has always stood out for its rich cultural traditions. Classical Georgian literature dates back to the 5th century, while local visual arts have evolved through a fascinating synthesis of Western, Eastern, and indigenous influences. Music has long been a vital part of everyday life, refined over centuries into a distinctive and deeply expressive tradition.
Photography, too, has strong roots in Georgia, with a national school emerging in the late 19th century. These artistic legacies naturally laid a strong foundation for Georgian cinema, which today holds a special place on the global stage.
The first Georgian documentary was filmed in 1912, and the first narrative feature followed in 1919—putting the origins of Georgian filmmaking in step with the early development of world cinema. Since then, the industry has never stopped evolving.
Georgian films have earned international acclaim from the very beginning, and in later decades, as themes and genres expanded, Georgian cinema reached new heights. The country’s film industry proudly counts among its achievements: the Silver Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival, awards at Cannes, nominations for the Golden Globe and the Oscars, and top prizes at numerous A-list international festivals.
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