Venice, the films in competition for the 81st Venice International Film Festival organized by the Biennale have been revealed. Among the works is the second feature film by Georgian director Dea Kulumbegashvili, titled April, produced by First Picture, Frenesy, MeMo, IFP e Tenderstories.

The cast includes: Ia Sukhitashvili, Kakha Kintsurashvili, Merab Ninidze.

Synopsis of the film

After a newborn dies during delivery, the morals and professionalism of an OBGYN, Nina, come under scrutiny amid rumors that she performs illegal abortions for those in need.

Director’s Statement

With April, my goal was to explore and analyze the dichotomy and convergence between existence and womanhood. This naturally led me to the themes of birth and death. The story began with a singular woman, a character imbued with an epic quality. She is someone who endures suffering and channels that pain into her life choices and ambitions. Despite this, she remains grounded and distinct from the rest of the world. By “epic,” I refer not to a narrative style but to the vast scope of an individual’s life and existence. The film delves into the tangible, earthy aspects of life as well as the enigmatic and inexplicable dimensions of being.

Nina lives the austere life of a doctor, risking her own well-being to provide illegal abortions for those in need. She encounters women in their most intimate moments, whether they are becoming mothers in the throes of excruciating labor or undergoing painful and clandestine abortions, hidden from their families.

Nina is a character who loves universally yet no one in particular. She possesses boundless empathy but struggles to form personal connections. She desires and needs nothing for herself, driven solely by her mission. However, she ultimately finds herself unable to effect significant change.