Description
The original poster for the 1967 Georgian film “ჩემი მეგობარი ნოდარი” (My Friend Nodari), directed by Davit Rondeli, is a bright and humorous example of 1960s Georgian cinematic poster design, blending playful illustration with the minimalistic graphic style characteristic of the Soviet period. The artwork reflects the lighthearted, satirical, yet socially observant tone of the film, capturing the essence of both Georgian daily life and cinematic expression of that era.
Film Overview
Based on the novel by Rezo Cheishvili, the story follows Nodari, a young man who leaves his family in the countryside and moves to Kutaisi in search of opportunity. There, he becomes the head of a dance ensemble at an auto factory and embarks on a journey full of romantic entanglements, friendships, and bittersweet experiences. The narrative is both funny and poignant, painting a vivid portrait of urban Soviet Georgian life through comedy and subtle social commentary.
Poster Description
The poster typically features hand-drawn, dynamic figures, possibly including Nodari in motion or interacting with key secondary characters. The artwork is done in two to three colors—often using bold outlines and contrasting shades, a common feature of Georgian poster lithography of the time.
With its expressive typography, whimsical imagery, and rhythmic composition, the poster mirrors the film’s tone: lively, humorous, and warm-hearted, yet grounded in everyday challenges and social realism.
Details
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Film Title: ჩემი მეგობარი ნოდარი (My Friend Nodari)
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Director: Davit Rondeli
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Writers: Rezo Cheishvili, Davit Rondeli
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Release Year: 1967
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Studio: Kartuli Pilmi (Georgian Film Studio)
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Country: Georgian SSR, USSR
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Genre: Comedy / Social Drama
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Key Cast:
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Giorgi Kharabadze – Nodari
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Gia Kobakhidze – Givi
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Tea Pirtskhalava – Ia
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Jemal Ghaghanidze – Gogia
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Giorgi Gegeshidze – Logic Teacher
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Erosi Manjgaladze – Savle
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Karlo Sakandelidze – Bipolski
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Ipolite Khvichia – Conference Host
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Technique: Two- or three-color lithographic print
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Design Style: Illustrative, minimalistic, expressive
Significance and Popularity
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A key representative of 1960s Georgian cinema, blending humor with subtle social critique
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A faithful screen adaptation of a well-known Georgian novel by Rezo Cheishvili
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Poster design reflects the visual language of Soviet Georgian graphic art, marked by efficiency and artistic wit
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Holds value for film historians, collectors of vintage posters, and design enthusiasts
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Celebrates a period in Georgian film history when urban stories and relatable characters gained popularity on screen
Ideal Decorative Piece For
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Collectors of Georgian retro cinema and poster art
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Interiors evoking Soviet-era design, especially those highlighting 1960s aesthetics
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Bars, cafés, studios, or film clubs looking to add a touch of nostalgic charm from classic Georgian cinema
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Libraries or cultural spaces dedicated to Eastern European literature and film heritage
„My Friend Nodari“ is more than a charming comedy—it’s a gentle mirror of Georgian society in transition, and its poster remains a delightful visual memento of a film that embraced sincerity, simplicity, and human connection.
