"Absence of Will" - a film by Georgian director Mamuka Kuparadze turned into the main topic in Abkhazia's internal political life. Discussions of the movie exceeded the show room and the channel that broadcasted it. The film taken in Georgia over a year ago served as a reason for massive political hysteria in Abkhazia.
The hysteria was initiated by the opposition MP Daur Arshba, representative of the National Unity Forum of Abkhazia, who stated that showing the film in Abkhazia meant "pursuing a Georgian strategy."
Afterwards, representatives of the Abkhaz Mother's Movement "Peace and Social Justice"gathered in front of the television and expressed critical opinions on the movie broadcast.
Despite the fact that I understand well and share the pain of the women who lost their children in the war with Georgia, their statements were still shocking, as they did not criticise the television that broadcasted the movie, but the people who attended discussion of the film. Discussion and dialogue on the Georgian-Abkhazian war was unacceptable to them. "Traitors", "disgracors of the country", "pouring water on Georgian mill" - this is how they called everyone who participated in the discussions, even though the film was seen and discussed by Aslan Kobakhia, hero of the Abkhazian war, a dignified person who they referred to as a "friend of Georgia".
None of the critics posed a question on how this film appeared on the channel controlled by the republic's president if it is so harmful for the Abkhazian public. The saddest of all is the fact that none of the critics has evaluated the film itself, while, in my opinion, this is a very useful and good movie. The movie is a rare attempt of searching for a true cause for the wars that occurred in Georgia. This is the first film where Georgians (!) assume the idea that Abkhazia can be independent (!!!) and has the right to fight for independence.
This is the movie, which talks about the irresponsible actions of the Georgian government, its elite and sometimes the entire nation, which entailed such tragic and bloody events in the nearest past.
Finally, this is the movie that has not been shown on Georgian national TV channels because of fear. It is a pitty that the desire to gather political points by certain group of people, the desire to support their authorities or the wish of simple revenge left the contents of the film unnoticed.
In short, a new-born baby was sent along the poured waters. It is incredible how the "absence of will" caused such a hopeless absence of logic in the Abkhazian society. Unfortunately, our society is not ready today to move on the next stage of development; not ready for a dialogue on painful issues.
The terminology used in the article belongs to the author only and not to “The Liberal”
The article has been prepared with the support of Heinrich Boell Foundation. The views and opinions expressed in the publication do not necessarily reflect those of Heinrich Boell Foundation.