Vakhtang Gorgasali: The Recounting Of A Legend

Writer-director Levani Shalolashvili’s Vakhtang Gorgasali couldn’t have come at a more appropriate time. A historical narrative delivered in its entirety through the lens of multiple AI-generated mediums, the film not only amalgamates forgotten history with contemporary technology, but also subtexts it with modern day politics. There’s war, brokered peace and a fractured memory that is laid to rest in the ebb of time. Fifteen centuries later, we get to revisit the grave of the man whose famed war stories shaped both the Georgian mythos and modern history. And, so, Shalolashvili’s film, all of 8:22-minute, manages to flex the potential of AI with a dash of creative storytelling.

The King of Kartli, rules over the land protected by the Greater Caucasus Mountains; a  region called the Kingdom of Iberia. Within its womb lies the battleground for power, sovereignty, and troubled history. The usurping powers from Byzantine and Persia claim their share of the pie. Drastically smaller in size and population, the ruler has to decide the way forward for his country–choose to broker a deal, surrender or fight–and his choice seals the fate. 

It’s evident from the get go that the film’s script is GPT-delivered, and so it lacks the necessary soul in its monologues, but the chronology makes up for most of the lacunae. It is best advised to overlook the jarring glitches that come as a default with AI, but look beyond it and you’d be overwhelmed with a relatively unknown history. True that when the sovereign Vakhtang enters the screen, his humongous proportion–an ode to folklore myths, does little to bring in the necessary gravitas to the visual display, but then one remembers Henry VIII and the suspicion begins to quiet down. The music, an odd mix of ancient Gregorian chants and modern day rap tries to appeal to audiences of all kinds. 

All in all, Shalolashvili makes a passionate effort in bringing to screen an important part of Georgian history. The historical battle scenes and his words uttered last form a fitting eulogy to a man whose contribution gave him the sainthood and a country its hero to be venerated for the generations to come.

Watch Vakhtang Gorgasali Short Film Trailer