City of the Sun

City of the Sun, a poignant documentary released in 2017, delves deep into the remnants of Chiatura, a once-thriving mining town in western Georgia that was the heart of global manganese production. With a hauntingly desolate backdrop, the film uncovers the lives of a few resilient inhabitants who continue to navigate the ruins of their hometown. Among them is Zurab, a music teacher who creatively repurposes the crumbling infrastructure by dismantling buildings for scrap metal, showcasing a blend of resourcefulness and despair. Meanwhile, Archil clings to his work in the mine, finding solace and purpose in his involvement with the local amateur theater group, illustrating the human spirit's capacity for creativity amid devastation.

The documentary elegantly weaves personal stories of struggle and resilience against the stark realities of decay and poverty. It highlights the stark contrast between the town's glorious past and its present, where even young athletes, malnourished yet determined, train tirelessly for the Olympic Games. City of the Sun is not just a portrait of a ghost town; it’s a meditation on hope, survival, and the enduring bonds forged in the face of adversity. The film invites viewers to reflect on the broader implications of industrial decline and the human stories that often get overshadowed by economic narratives, making it a compelling watch for those interested in the intersection of culture, history, and personal struggle.