Being first and foremost an artist, Rezo Gabriadze has gained an international reputation as a screenwriter, film and stage director, painter, sculptor and puppeteer. Gabriadze was born in the town of Kutaisi in what was then Soviet Georgia. He grew up surrounded by literature and fine art. As he matured creatively, his attention was drawn to film. He went on to write over 35 screenplays, including the Soviet film classics: “Don’t Grieve!”, “Mimino”, and “Kin-Dza-Dza!”.