Original subtitles

"Dry Leaf"

"Irakli, Nino," I think he wrote this letter for you.

"Don't think that writing this letter is easy for me.

But I couldn't leave without saying goodbye.

He won't be coming home today or tomorrow. Won't be back for a long time.

How can I ask you to be calm when I myself am anxious?

I know you love me and that gives me hope.

I hope you believe me and understand that what I do is important to me.

It's selfish of me to leave like this. Please forgive me.

Time will pass and we will see each other again.

Please try to stay calm so that I can be too.

I rely on you. I love you. See you soon, Lisa."

Okay.

Please tell me,

Have you traveled a lot?

Yes, she often went very far.

Mainly for work. He traveled throughout Georgia.

Because of his job.

And she usually traveled alone.

Sincerely,

your daughter is 28 years old,

therefore he reached the age of majority.

That's why I think you should be grateful that he at least left you a letter.

These things happen. Sometimes people have problems.

At home or at work?

And they have to move away from the environment, perhaps after a conflict.

He had no conflict with us or anyone else,

And we know very well that he is an adult.

Since university she has always lived and traveled alone.

She only came back to us a few months ago because the rent was getting too expensive.

We are concerned about this letter.

He's never done anything like this before.

Maybe there's a problem.

And she wants to solve it herself without telling us.

This is what worries us.

He had been going out to take photographs for months.

Often he didn't even bring his phone with him.

The first time she went to work she was 17 years old.

Somewhere in the mountains. We haven't heard anything from her for six months.

We weren't worried at the time.

As far as police procedure is concerned, our hands are tied.

He is 28 years old.

If he hadn't left a letter,

If she had simply disappeared, we could have reported her as a missing person, but now...

The letter indicates that he is fine, so we are not allowed to intervene.

Exact.

He left a letter and is of age.

Unfortunately we cannot file a complaint.

At least not for now.

All right.

Then I will accompany you to the door.

Lisa, a sports photographer, has been missing for a month.

The letter he left

It is of no comfort to his parents, Irakli and Nino.

However, they must gradually return to daily life.

What is this?

A stick?

No.

This is a line.

For most people there is nothing interesting.

But for us, lines have vital meaning.

All right.

In the next lesson we will talk about lines.

- Until we meet again. - Thank you.

- Until we meet again. - See you next time.

- Until we meet again. - Until we meet again.

- Until we meet again. - See you soon.

Levan.

Don't forget to think about the angle.

Three seconds.

And pay attention to your feet.

Ana.

If you don't put your heels on the ground, you can't do the movement.

We talked about it before.

You are losing two years of your hard work.

He doesn't listen at all.

Let's go eat something fresh.

We'll talk about it tomorrow.

Excuse me, how can I get to parliament?

It is right in the center of Rustaveli Street.

Is it far away?

Take the bus and get off two stops later.

After work, Irakli eats ice cream with a friend.

His friend suggests he meet the editor of a sports magazine.

where Lisa worked as a photographer, and to call him.

Irakli thinks about it.

And he decides to follow his friend's advice.

And contact the editor of the magazine �Skhivi�.

The editor suggests meeting at the stadium that evening.

The editor tells Irakli

that Lisa hasn't shown up for work in a while.

And he has an unfinished project.

Lisa had planned to photograph football pitches in small Georgian villages.

He had also done his research.

And he had almost identified the locations.

But the editor knows nothing else about the project.

And he suggests that Irakli talk to Lisa's colleague, Levan.

Levan, like many others in the reality of this film, is invisible.

For example, right now,

There are two people in the frame.

But they are not seen.

Levan is an old friend and colleague of Lisa.

They had also worked together on his previous project.

Lisa had to photograph the village football fields,

and Levan wrote about them.

Levan tells Irakli

that, if he wants to find Lisa, he must visit the places she wanted to photograph.

The problem is that, even if they had been together in the past,

Levan only vaguely remembers the exact locations.

Seeing Irakli's concern, Levan

offers him his help in finding Lisa.

Irakli accepts.

They decide to leave the next day to look for Lisa.

Where should I pick you up?

At the Sports Palace?

Close to the hotel?

No, there, in Peking Street. (Peking is the old name for Beijing.)

All right, I'll be there at seven.

Perfect. See you tomorrow.

So, we agree: this is a line.

Now let's talk about another important concept in our profession, in sport: the circle.

All right.

Until we meet again.

Until we meet again.

Until we meet again.

Ana.

Yes?

Can you wait by the stairs please? I have a small request.

- Thank you. - I'll wait.

You come.

- Hello again. - HI.

Are you going home?

No, I'm going to train now.

How's fencing going?

We have a new coach and we are preparing for a tournament.

Optimal.

Ana, I have to ask you something a little unusual.

I have to leave town for a few days.

And I have a dog that I take care of.

I wanted to know if you could

come and visit him once a day,

feed him, pet him and spend some time with him.

Is it possible?

Yes, of course.

Where?

At Vere Park,

near the Chess Palace.

On the right side of the building

there is a narrow path leading down and a small courtyard.

There lives a beautiful and intelligent dog named Panda.

All right.

That's everything.

Then to Vere Park, on the right,

Chess Palace and Panda, right?

Exact.

Okay, sure.

Thank you so much, Ana.

- Please. - Until we meet again.

Please.

- Please. - Until we meet again.

How are you, Panda?

Do you have enough water? How are you?

You come.

I have to leave you alone for a few days, okay?

Someone will take care of you.

We will see each other soon.

HI!

Do you want some cold water?

I have it, thanks.

Are you ready?

Let's go.

Irakli and Levan walk,

but as soon as they leave the city it becomes clear

which Levan remembered much less than he thought.

- Greetings. - Greetings.

I would like to show you a photo. Have you seen this person?

No, not at all.

Genadi, do you know anything?

- Thank you. - Please.

Mr. Genadi, I'll show you a photo. Have you seen this person?

I don't dislike it.

Thanks anyway.

Where is the stadium here?

It's easy, just take the main road.

Let's go this way.

There is a stadium.

Near the school?

Exact.

It's dangerous. That's why no one swims here, son.

The water seems calm,

but the current suddenly becomes very strong.

There are undercurrents,

and you can't just swim through it.

In my opinion, swimming is impossible.

You have to fly.

Like a buffalo.

- Is this water drinkable? - Yes.

Now, how do I get to that swampy area?

If you go straight down from here, you'll get to the center.

Then turn right. There is a cemetery.

You have to go up a little higher

and you will see it.

- Right there? - Yes.

- Okay, thank you very much. - Please.

- What is it called? - Cat Swamp.

Thank you.

There is a school up there. Nothing that interests us, but some children were playing there.

They told me about a particular place.

It's called Cat Swamp. Have you ever heard of it?

The Swamp of Cats?

You never forget a name like that.

But let's take a look anyway.

Yes, let's go.

I have not seen this person. If I had seen her, I would not have forgotten her.

Anyway, I'll show you the photo, maybe it helps.

No, I haven't seen this girl.

Okay, thanks.

Irakli.

Come here for a moment.

No, I definitely haven't seen it.

Do you want to take a look?

I don't dislike it.

All right.

- Shall we go, Levan? - Yes.

- Until we meet again. - Until we meet again.

You come.

Can you please tell me how to get to the football pitch in the nearby village?

Do you see that road?

Continue.

Then turn right.

You will arrive at the village of Khvashiti, where there is a small community center.

There is a field there, the stadium is nearby.

Water collected there before, but now I'm not sure.

- We'll check. - Yes, you should.

So it should be easy to find.

Yes, people live there. You can ask.

A thousand thanks. - Please.

Irakli

Yes.

Did you sleep?

I just took a nap.

Let's rest here for a bit.

- All right? - Certain.

Okay, whatever you want.

I'll take a look around and be right back.

Let me show you this photo.

Please look carefully.

I've never seen her.

Okay, that road over there,

right there.

Where does it lead?

Are you taking us to those villages up there?

Where are the meadows?

Yes, the road leads directly to the meadows.

A thousand thanks.

Until we meet again.

Greetings.

- Greetings. - Greetings.

Do you come here often?

- Yes. - Maybe too much.

I'll show you a photo. Look at it carefully,

perhaps you have seen this person?

No, definitely not.

No.

Okay, thanks anyway. Until we meet again.

Please.

Last year we had more snow in spring than in December.

In the last two years we have had spring snows that have destroyed many things.

For example, grapes. We collected 2 or 3 tons.

Has everything frozen?

Yes. My father always gave free firewood to his father.

And his father always gave us 200 kilos of grapes.

But last year they didn't even have enough to eat.

Same this year.

Did the vineyard remain intact or was it completely destroyed?

It was completely destroyed.

They collected up to 3 tons. For wine and food.

How strong was the cold to destroy everything like that?

There was snow everywhere.

It snowed a little in December. There was some snow, but not much.

You could walk easily in shoes like yours. It was so little.

Then,

in February, the snow rose until it reached my knees.

But in the spring it became really big. A meter of snow, up to my waist.

Too much.

Then it melted and at the end of March it snowed again.

Then a great rain came.

And the sun came out just when we didn't need it.

Everything dried up.

For example, spinach.

I used to plant a lot of them here in the village.

And the same up there in the mountains.

There is nothing in the mountains this year,

but there is some in the village.

I don't know why it happens.

Irakli.

I think we should go.

Sure, let's go.

Thanks, guys.

I think we should go straight.

This way?

Yes, the same way we came.

Hi guys, can I ask you something?

Greetings.

Can you all come here for a moment?

I'm looking for someone.

A young woman of 28 years old. My daughter.

She may have come to your village to take photos.

Have you seen her?

No, honestly not.

I'll show you the photo. Maybe it helps you.

Look everyone, please.

No.

Are you sure?

Absolutely.

All right.

- Thank you. - Until we meet again.

What did the man you spoke to say?

Nothing special.

There is a football pitch, but it is new, with artificial grass.

I understand. Is it worth going there?

We haven't been there yet.

In those villages.

I think we should definitely go there.

One of my old friends works at Zestafoni.

He is the manager of a stadium.

I introduced it to Lisa a while ago for another project.

Let's go find him. Maybe he knows something.

I think it's better if I go alone.

Yes, he's your friend. I'll wait for you here.

Yes, you can come down.

I'm at the gate with the giant ball.

I'm coming towards you. Where are you?

Do I have to go back?

I go straight, then turn left.

I understand.

I'm here, near the window with the decorative grates.

I don't know, I'm right where you said.

All right.

I'm at gate 43, just like you said.

Ah, there you are.

Irakli, goodbye.

Until we meet again.

- I'm sorry I wasn't helpful. - It does not matter.

You don't have to apologize. A thousand thanks. Until we meet again.

Irakli.

Yes.

Irakli.

Yes.

Do you prefer warm or cold weather?

I like cold and sunny weather.

How beautiful.

Where have you been, Levan? You said we had to go.

You were sleeping, so I didn't wake you.

You did well to rest a bit.

We wasted the whole day here.

Yes, we're fine. Everything is fine.

No, Nino, it's nothing important.

It's okay, don't worry. I'll call you back.

I'm always here, but unfortunately I haven't seen anyone with these characteristics.

Okay, thanks anyway.

But there is a man who lives up there.

He knows all the ins and outs of the area.

Do you mean that road up?

Yes, I think you should ask him.

Irakli.

Come here. There is a beautiful spring.

Let's go, let's go.

We say goodbye to the donkey.

Call him.

Okay, I'll call him.

Why did we come here? What are we doing here?

Yes, I think it was useless.

Well, I'll call about that lake.

You can ask around here.

I'm going inside. Notify me when you finish the call.

Irakli,

don't worry so much.

Something will turn up, believe me.

Let's leave, so we don't waste any more time, okay?

All right. Let's go to that lake, right?

Yes, I think it makes sense.

Okay, whatever you want. I'm completely lost.

Let's go.

So are we going in circles?

Yes.

Maybe there really is something there.

Why not? It's a big village.

I remember that we passed through those areas.

It is a very large village. How can it not have a football field?

He should have one, I'm sure.

But there was none in the previous village.

This proves nothing.

It's true, it's true. I hope it's not dark.

Excuse me, is there a football field in this village?

Of course yes. Follow that road.

This way?

Yes, he will find it.

Thanks, I'll go and see it.

Yes, go ahead.

We have been here before.

More or less at sunset.

Where did you drive to then?

Don't you remember?

Well, if you came from there...

No, I don't remember.

I mean, you came from that path, right?

So you must have gone down that road.

On this road.

Up there.

If you go beyond this point,

you must have come down that side.

You should remember that.

Some places are very similar and that's what confuses me.

And you know, when you don't drive yourself, you don't remember the route.

Let's try this way.

The road is bad, but it's okay.

Or we can go this way.

Let's take a tour first, then go up.

As you like.

Let's find a hotel for tonight. It's getting boring.

Do you know this area?

There should be something.

- We can ask where the source was. - Yes.

Greetings.

Greetings.

Greetings.

I have a question.

I was here with my daughter a while ago and we stayed in a hotel.

It was nearby, but now I can't find it.

I'm sure he was here. Can you tell me how to get there?

Certain.

Just take this road and you will find it.

Do you mean this way?

I have to go back this way and it's right there?

Yes, it's right there.

So it's easy to find.

He can't lose it.

Will there be anyone there?

Yes, of course.

A thousand thanks. Until we meet again.

Until we meet again.

- Until we meet again. - Until we meet again.

Levan, let's go have breakfast and then leave.

You go, I'll find something to eat along the way.

"End of Part One"

"Second Part"

Okay.

What are you doing here?

We have a football match here at 6pm.

- Here, on this ground? - Yes.

- Good luck in the match. - Thank you.

- Until we meet again. - Until we meet again.

Can you tell me where the football pitch is?

Where do children play football?

If you go down this road, you will see a fence.

Continue along the road, look for the fence, the field is behind it.

- From this street? - Yes.

Go straight until you see a colored fence.

- I understand. - The field is there.

Perfect. How do we get to the monastery?

I do not know.

Thank you.

No, we were here by chance.

It's wonderful.

We hadn't seen each other for a while.

I know.

I think since graduation.

It must be six or seven years.

At least.

Don't tell me you still work in "Skhivi".

Still there.

I got the job in my second year of university.

And I stayed there.

So you were there since your sophomore year of college?

Not bad. I don't write anymore.

But now I have a horse.

It's mine. I have to go now. I have others and I do very well.

How cute.

What's better than this?

Nothing, really.

Hey, tell me,

do you remember Lisa?

She was dating Kute, the photographer.

Of course I remember it.

Haven't seen her around lately?

Maybe you've met her?

Lisa? Here? Not at all.

Everything is fine?

It's as if they were sleeping.

Do we have to wake them up?

Greetings.

Excuse me.

There should be a football field nearby.

- That way. - Can you show us the way?

Let's follow them.

No, I haven't seen her.

It's your turn, look carefully.

Have you ever seen her?

No.

Irakli,

I'll check up there, I'll be right back.

Okay, I'll be here.

- Can I ask you a favor? - Certain.

Do you see that gate?

A bull knocked over one of the poles.

Do you think you can help us put it back on?

Yes, of course. Let's go.

- All right? - Yes, thank you.

You said you wanted to introduce me to someone.

It's like this.

- Come on, introduce him to me. - Certain.

There's nothing here.

There are two houses, both abandoned.

But I found some apricots.

They are ripe. Look at these.

Let's try one.

Let's go, Irakli. There's no point in staying here.

Please...

This was once the village club.

Here they showed films and held concerts.

The choir practiced here.

They showed films here, right?

Yes, the projector was there,

And the screen was here.

It was always full of people.

Tickets were always sold out.

Now there is no one left.

The village was very alive in those days.

How much celebration and joy there was here. Dances and songs.

Then it collapsed due to an earthquake.

The second floor collapsed and the building remained empty for twenty years.

Now I'm back in the village and I'm fixing it myself.

Let's go toast.

Please, sit down.

Let's have a drink and eat some apples.

Now tell me, how can I help you?

I'm looking for my daughter.

He is twenty-eight years old,

and I think she may have passed through your village.

He was supposed to be here taking photographs.

Surely you would have noticed it.

Please try to remember.

I can show you the photo.

Take a look, maybe it helps.

I don't dislike it. I haven't seen anyone like that.

May God grant that you find her safe and sound.

Here's to your success. Here's to finding her again.

- I'm going to get an apple. - Please, go ahead.

How are you, boy?

Always loitering, sleeping

For how long?

He appears to be wearing glasses.

Bob, come here.

Come on, don't be shy.

How are you doing, Levan?

Nothing new.

I met a good man, but he knows nothing useful.

But he told me how to get to a soccer field.

Let's go take a look.

It's hard to find, but let's try.

Strange.

I often dream about this place.

So have you been here before?

Never.

Only in my dreams.

Hey guys,

Where is the football field nearby?

There is an old field following this road straight ahead.

- Is that bridge safe? - Yes.

Irakli.

Do you see any avenues we can take?

No, there's nothing here.

Okay, let's go back then.

Shall we try that way?

Oh my God. I can't go through this.

You know what?

My uncle lives around here.

If he finds out I've been here and not visited him,

it becomes very sad.

Can we go see him for a minute?

There is a wonderful pastry shop in the village. We have to buy him something.

Sure, whatever you want.

Great Shulaveri sweets

I planted that mulberry tree.

In '62 or '64.

I remember that tree.

I remember when he was younger.

You came here when you were a child.

Very often.

Antimoz

he was a wonderful man.

A former priest.

I am 91 years old and I have seen many people,

but I never imagined that someone like him existed.

He had an extraordinary soul.

He wasn't tall.

He was of average height, but he was a great man.

He was a teacher. In fact, he was my teacher.

There was a person named Jobika Bakuradze.

My friend.

We were classmates.

We were born on the same day.

Jubikuna was five minutes older than me.

Tamara Niparovna was our teacher,

And we never let him teach.

One day she said:

"Now Antimoz will be your teacher."

"If you're that tough, try making fun of him."

We laughed. "Who is Antimoz?"

When Antimoz entered,

the class was in total chaos.

Children on the benches,

children fighting,

children playing ball.

Total chaos.

He entered calmly.

He didn't look at anyone.

He placed the register on the table and took the chalk.

He went to the blackboard.

And he drew a horse with a rider.

He gave the knight a bow and arrow and drew a rabbit in the corner of the blackboard.

I can't describe that feeling well.

Somehow he succeeded.

He made sure no one breathed.

It was wonderful.

He had a talent,

he could enchant anyone.

When he taught our class,

sometimes we missed other lessons,

but never his.

When he entered the classroom,

first he told ancient stories,

wonderful stories.

Afterwards, he took the roll call.

Then,

taught us something new.

But he never asked for homework.

He never checked if we had done them.

There was no pressure.

Alone

ancient stories,

Pree,

appeal,

then something new. That's all.

He was a wonderful man.

From Oni,

in his village, �ordi.

when he died,

it was winter.

There was about a meter of snow.

You could go neither with a sled nor with a car.

His students carried him ten kilometers on foot.

We respected him a lot.

But,

he never spoke about religion.

We didn't know either. We knew from home that he had been a priest,

but he was arrested, deported or executed.

Damn communists.

Greetings.

Greetings.

Is there a football pitch nearby?

No, there isn't any.

Okay, so where is the fountain?

- What? - The fountain.

- What source? - For drinking water.

I don't know, there's no source here.

I only know one called Bulutsminda.

But you have to go all the way to find drinking water.

Thank you.

- Giorgi, it's not true. - My grandfather told me.

- Are you ready? - Yes.

Irakli,

Nino sent me a message, he can't contact you.

Levan,

do they suit me?

Does your calf have a name?

It doesn't have a name yet.

We're still thinking about it.

Let's go, Irakli.

Hello

Hello.

How is it going?

Fine thanks.

What are these bars for?

I do not know. Yesterday, when I was here, there was nothing.

Maybe they want to close this place down.

I heard there is a soccer field nearby. Do you know where?

There is no longer a football pitch.

What does it mean that there is no longer a football pitch?

There was one before, but they destroyed it.

Did they destroy the football pitch?

Yes.

They are building a hotel there.

We're going this way, do you need a ride somewhere?

No, I'm waiting for my friend. We want to play football.

So, goodbye.

Until we meet again.

But if there is no longer a football pitch, where will you play?

Wherever he is.

The magazine editor Skhivi calls Irakli to tell him that he received a letter from Lisa.

The editor tells Irakli

who received a letter this morning.

Lisa apologizes for the delay in sending the photos.

And he also apologizes for not saying goodbye properly.

He explains that he will no longer work for "Skhivi" for some time.

The editor tells Irakli

that the envelope contains a roll of film with all the agreed photos,

plus a list of where and when each photo was taken.

Irakli understands that he has been to all those places.

The editor says hello.

This phone call worries Irakli.

And at the same time it gives him relief.

Where does this mud come from?

It belongs to Shrosha.

Is this all your work?

Yes, it's all mine.

Levan

Yes.

Let's go.

Hi, I'm Born.

- You must be Irakli. - Yes, it's me, please.

Someone left something for you.

One moment, please.

They asked me to give you this.

Who asked you?

It's all explained inside.

Irakli,

I miss you.

I thought it would be easier to stay away from you two.

I know you're looking for me.

I was hoping you wouldn't follow me.

I was sad when I found out,

but now I'm happy.

I was sad because if you were looking for me, it meant you didn't trust me.

But I soon got used to the idea and became happy,

because we'll see each other soon.

I have so much to tell you.

When we meet again, I will explain to you why I left.

But do you know when I first thought about leaving?

It was the day they started tearing down the university's sports facilities.

Together we saw this place, so important to us, disappear.

I almost cried.

But when I saw you, I understood.

My sadness was nothing compared to yours.

You looked so heartbroken.

I will never forget it.

That's when I first thought about leaving.

I've seen a lot since I left.

And I want to share everything with you.

How long have you been looking for me,,

and what did you see?

You have to tell me.

Maybe we saw some things in common.

It's a way of being together, right?

You can find me easily.

I'm sure you remember where you taught me to drive.

At the end of that path, the road turns right.

When you drive to the end, the road splits.

Stay there.

If you come during the day,

a slightly crooked arrow on the cracked pavement indicates my entrance.

It's green, with an empty white sign.

If you come in the evening,

first you will see a fast pulsing streetlight.

Don't pay attention to it.

There is another street lamp that slowly turns on and off all day.

You can see its light dancing on many surfaces.

You can't miss it.

My entrance is right under that light.

But if you come at night,

forget the streetlights and just follow the streetlights.

You might have to wait a while,

but you will surely find that one

that turns on and off.

I'm waiting for you,

Lisa.

Levan.

Yes.

Let's go.

No, Irakli, I'm staying here.

Are you sure?

Yes, of course.

So, are you okay?

Yes, he's fine.

We can visit her for New Year's Eve.

And Levan? What type is he?

He's a good boy.

Didn't it drive you crazy on the trip?

No, we became friends.

But when we came back,

he didn't let me take him home.

He said he was tired and would take the subway.

You traveled all over the country together, how did you not bring him home?

I tried, but he wouldn't.

Late at night, when the whole city was asleep, Irakli remained awake.

Irakli thought to himself, how nice it is to be home.

This thought had come to him every night since he returned from his trip.

But sometimes,

not always, but anyway

Other thoughts also came to mind.

How is that little donkey near the church?

And that puppy who loved to lie on the grass?

Who was the woman who had given him Lisa's letter?

And then,

right at the end,

before falling asleep, Irakli thought

to the road.

How wonderful it is that there are…

the streets.