From acclaimed director Levan Akin (And Then We Danced), Crossing is a moving and tender tale of identity, acceptance and unlikely connection that transcends borders and generations. Lia, a retired school teacher living in Georgia, hears from a young neighbour Achi that her long lost niece Tekla, a transgender woman, has crossed the border into Turkey. Hoping to bring Tekla home after a period of estrangement, Lia travels to Istanbul with the unpredictable Achi to find her. Exploring the hidden depths of the city, they cross paths with a transgender lawyer called Evrim, who helps them in their search. Humanistic and compassionate, Akin’s third feature is a heartfelt portrayal of overcoming the degrees of separation that divide us.

*Crossing contains flickering or flashing lights that may affect those with photosensitive epilepsy*

The Garden Cinema View:

Director Levan Akin (And Then We Danced) subverts expectations of Crossing’s ‘search narrative’ by focusing on the serendipitous connections we forge with strangers and our internal journeys of self-discovery which occur when we passionately pursue something. The film emerges as an ensemble piece rather than the anticipated ‘hero's journey’, featuring Achi, a Georgian teenager who accompanies the older Lia on her quest, as well as Evrim, a trans lawyer living in Istanbul who assists them in navigating the city's bureaucracy. Istanbul itself emerges as a fourth protagonist with its stray cats and vibrant nightlife set against an generally hostile attitude toward trans people. As this unlikely group's adventure unfolds, Akin subtly unveils the social challenges facing both Georgian and Turkish societies.

The screening on Saturday 20 July was followed by a panel discussion in partnership with Counterpoints Arts, with Gamze Şanlı, Hiba Noor, and Florenza Deniz İncirli.

Cast:
Mzia Arabuli, Lucas Kankava, Deniz Dumanlı