Valerian Kirkitadze

Born into a family of artists in Georgia in 1989, Vako's childhood was steeped in the transformative power of cinema. Amidst the challenges of war and poverty that his community faced, his family held onto an old 16mm silent projector. His grandfather, an adept imitator, used it to screen films for the neighborhood, turning harsh realities into magical evenings. The first film Vako ever saw was "Bicycle Thieves," dubbed by his grandfather, not just to entertain but to bring joy and solace to those around him. This early experience showed Vako the profound impact films could have on people's emotions, sparking his passion for filmmaking from a tender age.

Drawn to the depth of human emotions and inspired by the works of Luis Buñuel and Hermann Hesse, Vako pursued film directing at Tbilisi State University. Here, he created "Mumusha," a documentary that celebrated Georgian director Shalva Gatserelia, earning accolades at the Amirani Film Festival. His personal and poignant experiences with war led him to produce "September," a film that mirrored his reflections on conflict. Shot under the shadow of real wartime threats in Georgia, it garnered international acclaim and was featured in several film festivals globally, including the Student Academy Awards.

Following his early successes, Vako moved to New York to complete his MFA at NYU Tisch School of the Arts. He then founded Film Asylum, a production hub that quickly became known for its compelling narratives across various formats. Among his notable works in New York are the documentary "USA from a Room," and the shorts "The Executioner" and "The Sight." Through these projects, Vako continues to explore and express the rich tapestry of human experience, cementing his role as a filmmaker who not only tells stories but also evokes deep emotional connections.