I Am Truly a Drop of Sun on Earth

I Am Truly a Drop of Sun on Earth is a Georgian drama film, directed by Elene Naveriani and brought to life by striking performances from Kakha Nozadze, Daniel Antony Onwuka, and Mariam Chachia. Released in 2017, the movie tackles the overarching themes of forbidden love, societal expectations, and the struggles of immigrant life, carefully tied together in a narrative that is as arresting as it is poignant.

Centered on the city of Tbilisi in the Republic of Georgia, I Am Truly a Drop of Sun on Earth delves into the lives of contemporary Tbilisi inhabitants, transcending the boundaries of ordinary tales to reveal the unofficial, shadowy side of the Georgian Capital.

Kakha Nozadze portrays the lead male character, a young and struggling Georgian part-time sex worker named Kakhaber. In contrast, Daniel Antony Onwuka brilliantly slips into the character of April, an entrepreneur and a Nigerian immigrant, caught in the raptures of personal and professional struggle in a vice-like grip of an alien culture. The two characters struggle to find acceptance and freedom within the constraints of societal norms and expectations, unravelling their lives to the audience in a series of events steeped in raw emotion.

Mariam Chachia breathes life into the character of Tiko, a female radio host, with innate depth and a sense of realism. Through her portrayal, the movie mirrors the character’s strength as she transcends the hardships of her life in Tbilisi and gives a face to the independent yet restrained women of contemporary Georgia.

The film further explores the complicated dichotomy of life and existence in a post-Soviet society, marked by the conservative beliefs of class and tradition. Amidst the backdrop of the vibrant Tbilisi nightlife, the movie unfolds the dichotomy of the city both as a playground of electronic music and underground parties, and as a backdrop to the characters' struggles.

The narrative is punctuated by realistic dialogues and the actors' compelling delivery, which bring to life the struggle of the underrepresented sections of society. The movie’s trademark is its mesmerizing cinematography, with visually stunning sequences that catch the vibrancy of Tbilisi's streets, the melancholy of the night and the hope that arises with the dawn.

As an extraordinary tale of forbidden love, I Am Truly a Drop of Sun on Earth does not shy away from testing the boundaries of romance, desire, and the human propensity for survival. The central characters’ lives intertwine and get further complicated as they navigate through their dreams, desires, and the harsh realities setting the scenes for a tragic romance that forces the audience to question societal norms and prejudices.

April's perspective as an outsider offers a unique lens to the stark contrast and the complex relationship between tradition and modernity in Georgian society. His innocence emphasizes the struggle of being a foreign national in an unforgiving and unknown land that refuses to show any leniencies despite the shared history of oppression. The challenges he faces, both due to his immigrant status and his differentiating lifestyle, are portrayed realistically and vividly, bringing a sense of authenticity to his character struggle.

Kakhaber's journey is portrayed with a complex blend of vulnerability, resilience, and an endless pursuit of acceptance and love. His bold and insightful characterization reveals the hushed societal hypocrisies and the suffocating disparities of class and morality.

I Am Truly a Drop of Sun on Earth is a cinematic achievement that speaks volumes about the universal human capacity to love despite adversity, and the relentlessness of survival. The film is a testament to Naveriani’s visionary storytelling that has the ability to strike deep within the viewers’ hearts and provoke thoughts that linger long after the film ends.

To summarize, I Am Truly a Drop of Sun on Earth is a captivating, poignant drama that delves deep into the lives of those living on the fringes of Georgian society, providing a snapshot of life colored by love, struggle, and resilience. It is a story that allows us to see the sunbeams within drops of life, even when surrounded by societal storms.