Georgian Director Shoots ‘Dry Leaf’ on Vintage Phone, Explores Fate

Georgian writer-director Alexandre Koberidze has taken an unconventional approach to filmmaking with his latest feature, Dry Leaf, which was shot entirely on a vintage Sony Ericsson mobile phone. The film features his father, David Koberidze, in the lead role, while music and sound are crafted by Alexandre’s brother, Giorgi Koberidze. This unique creation premiered at the Locarno Film Festival, earning a special mention, and has recently been screened at the BFI London Film Festival.

The film revolves around Irakli, a father searching for his daughter Lisa, a sports photographer who mysteriously disappears while documenting soccer stadiums in rural Georgia. Koberidze describes Dry Leaf as a contemplative journey rather than a conventional thriller. The narrative is enriched by poetic encounters, showcasing themes of fate and serendipity. The title itself references a specific soccer technique, known as the “dry leaf,” which involves kicking the ball with minimal spin to create an unpredictable trajectory.

Revisiting an Old Technique

Koberidze chose to film with the Sony Ericsson due to its nostalgic value and artistic limitations. He first acquired the phone in 2008 primarily for music, later discovering its photographic capabilities. “I became obsessed with taking pictures with it for many years,” Koberidze shared. His previous feature, filmed with the same device, was released in 2017. After a brief hiatus, he returned to this format, drawn by the intimacy and simplicity it offered.

The transition back to using a mobile phone posed significant challenges for Koberidze. “When working with high-definition cameras, you have so many tools to clarify everything,” he explained. “The Sony Ericsson only shows a small part of reality, forcing me to think creatively about what to include or exclude within the frame.”

Koberidze noted that the production of Dry Leaf evolved organically, reflecting the unpredictability of life, a central theme of the film. Initially envisioned as a road movie, he began to focus on empty soccer fields, representative of communities where youth gather. Over time, he became increasingly uncomfortable with the idea of imposing on villagers to capture their presence on screen. This led him to embrace the emptiness, allowing the film to develop intuitively rather than adhering to a strict script.

Exploring Invisible Characters

A distinctive element of Dry Leaf is the inclusion of invisible or “ghost” characters. Koberidze explained that the concept emerged from an exercise he had encountered in film school, which he found intriguing. “I always try to incorporate elements of doubt in my work,” he stated. The invisible characters symbolize his discomfort in approaching real people to participate in the film, allowing for a unique creative exploration.

As Koberidze crafted scenes featuring these unseen characters, audio was recorded later to enhance the viewing experience. The challenge of representing invisible figures influenced the overall sound design, prompting Koberidze to consider how to balance simplicity with depth in the film’s audio landscape.

Looking ahead, Koberidze is already considering his next project, titled Bilingual, inspired by the Pet Shop Boys album of the same name from 1996. He has nurtured this idea for two decades, envisioning a romantic detective mystery set in both France and Georgia. The film will explore two interwoven stories influenced by the album’s mood, which juxtaposes cheerful disco elements with melancholic undertones.

Through his innovative approach, Alexandre Koberidze demonstrates that creativity can flourish in unexpected circumstances. With Dry Leaf, he challenges traditional filmmaking norms while celebrating the rich tapestry of human experience and connection.