Georgian Director’s Antique Phone Filmmaking Stuns Festival Circuit

A celebrated Georgian filmmaker has premiered his latest feature, shot entirely on a 2008 mobile phone. Alexandre Koberidze’s “Dry Leaf” debuted at the Locarno Film Festival, earning a special mention. The film stars his father and features a soundtrack by his brother. This unique project challenges modern filmmaking conventions.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the director used a Sony Ericsson phone from 2008. Koberidze first discovered the device’s creative potential years ago. He prefers its limitations over high-definition cameras.

Why an Old Phone Creates a New Visual Language

The Sony Ericsson phone offers minimal color adjustment, mostly warm or cold tones. Its low-resolution, hazy images hide visual information deliberately. Koberidze finds this restriction artistically freeing. It forces the audience to focus on specific details.

This method allows for a more intuitive and less controlled filmmaking process. The director initially had a strict script but abandoned it during production. He embraced unpredictability, mirroring the film’s themes of fate.

The Personal and Poetic Journey of “Dry Leaf”

The film follows a father’s search for his missing daughter, a sports photographer. Her project documenting rural Georgian soccer fields led to her disappearance. Koberidze explores community and abandonment through empty stadiums.

The title refers to a soccer kick that moves unpredictably, like a falling leaf. The production mirrored this, with the crew often deciding locations spontaneously. Invisible characters were added, reducing the need to interact with villagers.

The success of “Dry Leaf” proves compelling storytelling transcends technical specs. Alexandre Koberidze’s antique phone filmmaking delivers a profound human experience. His work redefines cinematic possibility.

Thought you’d like to know

What phone was used to film “Dry Leaf”?

The movie was shot using a Sony Ericsson phone from 2008. It is a pre-smartphone model with very basic video capabilities. The director, Alexandre Koberidze, has used it for creative projects for years.

What is the film’s connection to soccer?

The title refers to a specific soccer kicking technique. The “dry leaf” kick causes the ball to move unpredictably without spin. This concept mirrors the film’s exploration of chance and fate.

Who are the main collaborators on the project?

Koberidze’s father, David, stars as the main character. His brother, Giorgi, composed the music and handled all sound recording. It was a deeply personal and family-oriented production.

How was the sound designed for invisible characters?

Voices for invisible characters were recorded later in a studio. The sound design remains intentionally simple rather than hyper-realistic. This approach maintains the film’s unique, contemplative mood.

What is the director’s next project?

Koberidze’s next film is titled “Bilingual.” It is inspired by a 1996 Pet Shop Boys album of the same name. The project will be a larger production with two interconnected stories.