Set and filmed in Georgia’s capital, Tbilisi, And Then We Danced is the country’s first LGBT+ film, starring a gay dancer who is coming to terms with his sexuality.
The Swedish-Georgian movie has attracted strong backlash from the Georgian Orthodox Church as well the country’s ultra-conservative groups, which have described it as “revolting”.
Several hundred protesters staged a furious demonstration outside Tbilisi’s Amirani Cinema on Friday, November 8, attempting to storm the theatre to stop the film being shown.
Riot police were deployed to protect the venue as anti-gay activists threw rocks and firecrackers. They were heard chanting “Long live Georgia!” and “Shame!” at filmgoers while an Orthodox priest recited prayers over a burning Pride flag.
Local LGBT+ activist Ana Subeliani was among those injured during the protest. In a Facebook post she claimed “police did nothing” as she and her friends “were severely beaten and threatened.” Images of her bleeding and in an ambulance circulated on social media.
formerly Mad Cornish Projectionist.