In Batumi, Georgia, Lia is looking for her long-lost niece, Tekla. Together with Achi - a bored, wayward youth looking for any escape from his violent household - they travel to Istanbul in search of Tekla. It's here they meet Evrim, a lawyer fighting for trans rights.
2024
Crossing
Director
Levan Akin
Runtime
105 Minutes
Country
Sweden, Denmark, France, Türkiye, Georgia
Classification
Unclassified 15+
A retired Georgian teacher searching for her long-lost niece in Istanbul finds herself in this transformative city where others go to lose themselves.
On the coast of the Black Sea in Batumi, Georgia, Lia (Mzia Arabuli) is looking for her long-lost niece, Tekla. At Tekla’s old address, Lia meets Achi (Lucas Kankava), a bored, wayward youth looking for any escape from his violent household. The two make an unlikely pair as they travel to Istanbul in search of Tekla. It's here in the bustling city, in the cramped, impoverished quarters, where the two continue their search. In Istanbul, the film also follows Evrim (Deniz Dumanli), a lawyer fighting for trans rights. With Evrim’s help, the two come closer to finding Tekla. This is the fourth film from Levan Akin, who wowed audiences with his critically acclaimed 2019 film And Then We Danced. Crossing continues Akin’s exploration of cultural divides in this corner of Europe. Winner of the Teddy Jury Award at Berlinale, this powerful film will tug your heart strings until the very end.
“Istanbul is described as a place where people come to disappear. But Crossing uses delicate brushstrokes to depict the city also as a place where transformative encounters can bring change and greater self-knowledge.”
The Hollywood Reporter
"The latest film from Swedish director Levan Akin (And Then We Danced), Crossing is terrific: a rich and rewarding tapestry of characters and cultures flung together and flourishing."
The Guardian
Teddy Jury Award – Berlin, Tribeca, Sydney
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Film Credits
Director
Levan Akin
Year
2024
Country
Sweden, Denmark, France, Türkiye & Georgia
Language
Georgian, Turkish & English
Subtitles
English
Type
Feature & Fiction
Program Strand
World Cinema
Producer
Mathilde Dedye
Writer
Levan Akin
Cinematographer
Lisabi Fridell
Editor
Levan Akin & Emma Lagrelius
Cast
Mzia Arabuli, Lucas Kankava & Deniz Dumanli
Film Source
Madman Entertainment
Genre
Drama, LGBTQIA+ & Women
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