Nino Zhvania graduated from the Gerasimov Institute of Cinematography in 2011. Her previous work includes shorts “Excuse Me, My Friend” and “My Friend Iliko.” “Parade” is her first feature.

“Parade” will begin screening at the 2018 Toronto International Film Festival on September 10.

W&H: Describe the film for us in your own words.

NZ: This is a film about the friendship and love, about sadness and joy, about relationships and visions.

This is a story of people born in the Soviet era. After the disintegration of the Soviet Union their lives became one of two dimensions: one was formal Soviet welfare, and the second, chaotic but free contemporary reality. Unfortunately, the second dimension caused loss and frustration — some people died, and others were unable to find their proper place. Only a minority were able to survive and adjust to modern times.

It’s a story about the generation of my father and his friends, the people with whom my childhood was strongly connected. I thought they were adults, but, as I sometimes secretly observed their meetings, they behaved and laughed like teenagers. This was both enjoyable and surprising.

“Parade” is about individuals and life itself.

W&H: What drew you to this story?

NZ: When I was studying at the VGIK (Gerasimov Institute of Cinematography) eight years ago, we had a course on the history of contemporary American cinema. At 9 A.M. Students slept in the armchairs as usual when they were shown “Husbands” by John Cassavetes. For some unknown reason, I did not fall asleep that morning and after 15 minutes I became engrossed in the film. It’s now one of my favorite films!

The natural closeness and frankness of Cassavetes’ characters greatly impressed me. I was not aware then how important that film would be for me, and I could not have imagined at that time that someday I would be offered a script – a story of three friends, who, same as Cassavetes’ characters, go on a holiday by escaping from reality and finding joy and cheerfulness in just being together. I was so excited and loved it instantly.

W&H: What do you want people to think about when they are leaving the theater?

NZ: I don’t know exactly and I hope it’s different for different people. But if they will start to think about the story, the characters, and what we’re trying to show on a deeper level that would make me very happy.

W&H: What was the biggest challenge in making the film?

NZ: The biggest challenge for me was the story itself, first because it was the story of friendship between men, and secondly because of their generation, which is quite different from mine.

I was afraid that I would not be able to make it real and I hope that I have done them justice.

W&H: How did you get your film funded? Share some insights into how you got the film made.

NZ: The main financial support we had was from the Georgian National Film Center, by winning a competition to finance a debut feature film. We also had support from Eurimages and the Ministry of Culture of Adjara.

W&H: What inspired you to become a filmmaker?

NZ: The opportunity and freedom of creating something you want. What a beautiful concept!

W&H: What’s the best and worst advice you’ve received?

NZ: I don’t remember the worst, but the best was to trust yourself and not be afraid or failure, success, or anything else.

W&H: What advice do you have for other female directors?

NZ: The same which was best for me: Trust yourself and don’t be afraid!

W&H: Name your favorite woman-directed film and why.

NZ: Andrea Arnold’s films, because of the energy that pulses from them and their sincerity.