Brighton 4th

Brighton 4th is a tragi-comedy by Levan Koguashvilis, which tells a touching story about parenthood and care. After making arrangements to cover for his brother's gambling debts, Kakhi (played by real-life Olympic wrestler Levan Tediashvili) departs from his humble home in the Republic of Georgia. A cross-continental journey leads him to the former Soviet émigré enclave of Brighton Beach in New York, where he finds his son Soso (Giorgi Tabidze) in big debts to the local mob boss.

Brighton 4th is a sensitively rendered story of survival, packed with both cheerful Georgian drinking songs and heart-wrenching scenes of loneliness. Family and community can weave a crucial safety net in a world that looks the other way —which as Kakhi realizes in a gripping way, is all the more reason to fight for his son's second chance, even if it puts his own life at risk.