“The film is anchored by Ivo (Lembit Ulfsak). The unassuming farmer is preparing for harvest when the war turns up on his doorstep. He becomes a quiet prophet for peace. So exceptional is the veteran Estonian actor in the film, it has sent me searching for anything Ulfsa has appeared in.” – Betsy Sharkey, The Los Angeles Times
Samuel Goldwyn Films is proud to present the U.S. theatrical release of TANGERINES, Academy Award® Best Foreign Language Film nominee. TANGERINES is a story of awakening humanity in the midst of violence, told with intimacy and elegance by writer-director Zaza Urushadze. Nominated for the Academy Award® and the Golden Globe Award® for Best Foreign Language Film in 2015, TANGERINES is the spare, yet haunting tale of an older Estonian man, played in an outstanding performance by legendary Estonian actor Lembit Ulfsak, who cares for two wounded soldiers from opposite sides of the civil war in Georgia in the 1990s. The film reveals compassion to be the ultimate response to centuries of political, cultural and ethnic conflict, offering a compelling and relevant message for contemporary audiences.
Set in 1992, in the wake of the Soviet Union’s dissolution, TANGERINES is the story of two Estonian immigrant farmers who decide to remain in Georgia long enough to harvest their tangerine crop, amidst the fierce and growing conflict between Georgia and Abkhazian separatists. When the war comes to their doorstep, Ivo (Lembit Ulfsak) takes in two wounded soldiers from opposite sides. The fighters vow to kill each other when they recover, but their extended period of convalescence has a humanizing effect that might transcend ethnic divides. Set against a beautiful landscape defiled by war, this poetic film makes an eloquent statement for peace.
TANGERINES has rallied acclaim at significant festivals worldwide, including the Warsaw Film Festival where it won the Best Director and the Audience Award, the Mannheim-Heidelberg International Film Festival, where it received a Jury’s special mention as well as the Audience Award, the Palm Springs International Film Festival, the Seattle International Film Festival, and many more.
TANGERINES is written and directed by Zaza Urushadze. Produced by Ivo Felt and Zaza Urushadze. Screenwriter: Zaza Urushadze. Featuring: Lembit Ulfsak, Elmo Nuganen, Mikhail Meskhi, Giorgi Nakashidze, Raivo Trass and Zurab Bealishvili. TANGERINES is produced by Estonian film production company Allfilm and Georgian production company Cinema 24.