Georgia's Road to Freedom. A Contemporary's Notebook

Nika Rurua, a filmmaker by education, had planned to make a film once Georgia became a NATO member. Anyone who knew him would easily guess the film's subject: the Russian occupation a century ago and the selfless sacrifice of Georgians in that unequal struggle. 

 

During his two terms as a Member of Parliament and his tenure as Minister of Culture, he carried out numerous projects. Speaking about them in full would likely require a separate volume, yet among them stands something truly exceptional: the founding of the Museum of Occupation in the center of Tbilisi - a symbol of the battle between David and Goliath and of eternal victory.

 

After graduating from Georgia State University, he was awarded a Doctorate in Law, along with a distinguished qualification that would have allowed him to pursue a successful career as a judge or prosecutor. Upon returning to his homeland, he found himself in the vanguard of the Rose Revolution - first fighting, then achieving victory. When he agreed to be included on the parliamentary list, he gave up his Green Card. He was soon to become a U.S. citizen, but he chose struggle and responsibility instead. 

 

This collection itself is a vivid example of that struggle.