Controversy and L.G.B.T. Themes in Levan Akin’s Films

Controversy Surrounding Levan Akin’s Films

When Levan Akin’s film “And Then We Danced” premiered at Cannes in 2019, it garnered critical acclaim for its portrayal of a romance between men in a Georgian folk-dance troupe. The movie later became Georgia’s submission for the Oscars. However, when the film was screened in Georgia, it faced violent protests from conservative groups who objected to the combination of traditional Georgian culture and gay love.

Levan Akin’s Latest Film “Crossing”

Akin’s newest film, “Crossing,” which is set to open in U.S. theaters, also explores L.G.B.T. themes. The plot follows a woman named Lia, who embarks on a journey from Georgia to Turkey in search of her estranged trans niece. Despite Akin’s hopes for a smoother reception in Georgia due to the film’s storyline, he decided against releasing it there amidst the ongoing political turmoil.

In “Crossing,” Lia, a retired history teacher, travels to Istanbul from Batumi, Georgia, to find her niece Tekla, who fled after facing rejection from her family. Lia is aided in her search by Evrim, a trans rights activist and lawyer. As they navigate the streets of Istanbul together, they form an unexpected bond, but locating Tekla proves to be a challenging task.

Cast: Lucas Kankava as Achi, Mzia Arabuli as Lia in “Crossing.”