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Khibula

Name: Khibula
Director: Giorgi Ovashvili
Released: 2017
Duration: 97 min

Representation Score

4.5/10

Fair

2017

Director

Giorgi Ovashvili

Runtime

97 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Khibula is a specialized historical drama that prioritizes localized political critique over broad demographic representation. It succeeds in providing a non-Western perspective on statehood and sovereignty, offering a vital look at Georgian independence. However, the film lacks a multi-layered approach. The narrative structure focuses heavily on male-dominated power struggles and lacks visible LGBTQ+ or disability representation, resulting in a narrow demographic focus. Ultimately, the work functions as a study of national identity and systemic instability rather than a diverse tapestry of human experiences.

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Category Breakdown

Does Khibula have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film does not include any explicit LGBTQ+ characters or identities that challenge the assumption that everyone is straight or cisgender. The story focuses on political upheaval and the journey of a displaced leader.

How does Khibula portray gender?

Fair

The story centers around masculine-coded conflicts and leadership during a political coup. There is no immediate evidence of female roles or the subversion of traditional gender hierarchies.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Khibula?

Fair

The film is deeply rooted in Georgian national identity. While the cast appears ethnically homogeneous, it offers a necessary departure from Anglo-centric historical narratives by focusing on post-Soviet struggles.

How does Khibula represent religion and culture?

Good

The narrative critiques the stability of centralized power and nationalistic institutions. It deconstructs the heroic leader cliché by framing political survival as a product of systemic chaos.

Does Khibula include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no information regarding characters with physical, sensory, or neurodivergent disabilities within the provided material.

Present on Screen

Provides a necessary departure from Anglo-centric historical narratives by focusing on post-Soviet struggles.
Offers a sophisticated critique of centralized power and the volatility of nationalistic institutions.
Deconstructs the 'heroic leader' cliché through a lens of moral relativism and systemic chaos.

Limited or Absent

Lacks explicit visibility for LGBTQ+ identities or non-straight-centered characters.
The narrative leans heavily toward masculine-coded spheres of conflict and leadership.
Provides no information or representation regarding characters with disabilities.

Official Synopsis

The screenplay for Khibula was inspired by the real events taking place in Georgia briefly after the country regained its independence in 1991. Zviad Gamsakhurdia, the first president of Georgia, elected by the majority of votes, was driven into exile by coup d'etat. Even though he returned to regain power soon after, political clashes once again forced him to flee into the mountains. Based on the final chapter of the first President's life, the film starts off by following his journey accompanied and pursued by both friend and foe.

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