Dry Leaf (2025)

[bunniefuu]

"Irakli, Nino."

I assume she's writing to you.

"Don't think writing this letter

is easy for me.

"But I couldn't just leave

without saying anything.

"I won't be coming home today, or

tomorrow. Not for quite some time.

"How can I ask you to stay calm

when I'm anxious myself?

"I know you love me,

and that's what gives me hope.

"I hope you trust me and understand

that what I'm doing is important to me.

"It's selfish of me to run away like this.

Please forgive me.

"Time will pass,

and we'll see each other again.

"Please try to stay calm

so I can be calm too.

"I'm counting on you.

I love you. See you soon, Lisa."

Alright.

Please tell me,

has she traveled much?

Yes, she has.

Mostly for work.

She has traveled all over Georgia.

Because of her job.

And she usually went alone.

You know what,

your daughter is 28 years old,

so she's of age.

That's why I think you should be thankful

she at least left you a letter.

These things happen.

Sometimes people have problems

at home or at work

and they need to get away,

maybe after some kind of conflict.

She hasn't had any conflict with us

or anyone else,

and we are well aware that she is of age.

Since college,

she's lived and traveled on her own.

She only moved back in with us a few

months ago because rent got so expensive.

We're concerned because of this letter.

She's never done anything

like this before.

Maybe she has some problem

and wants to handle it

herself without telling us.

That's what worries us.

She used to be away for months

on photo shoots.

She often wouldn't even take her phone.

She was 17

when she first went away for work,

somewhere in the mountains.

For 6 months we had no idea where she was.

And we weren't worried then.

In terms of police procedure,

our hands are tied.

She's 28.

If she hadn't left a letter

and had just vanished, we could've

filed a missing persons report, but now...

The letter shows she's okay,

so we're not allowed to get involved.

Exactly.

She left a letter and she's of legal age.

Unfortunately,

we can't proceed with a case.

At least not right now.

Alright.

Then I'll see you out.

Sports photographer Lisa

has been missing for a month now.

The letter she left

offers no comfort to her parents,

Irakli and Nino.

Yet slowly,

they must return to everyday life.

What is this?

A stick?

No.

This is a line.

For most people,

there's nothing interesting about it.

But for us,

lines have a crucial meaning.

Okay.

Next session we'll talk about lines.

- Bye.

- Thank you.

- Goodbye.

- See you next time.

- Bye.

- Bye.

- Bye.

- See you.

Levan.

Remember to think about the angle.

Three seconds.

And watch your leg.

Ana.

If you don't put your heel down,

you can't do the movement.

We've been over this.

You'll throw away two years of work.

She just won't listen.

Let's grab something cold.

We'll discuss this tomorrow.

Excuse me, how do I get to Parliament?

Right in the middle of Rustaveli Avenue.

Is it far?

Take the bus

and get off after two stops.

After work,

Irakli gets ice cream with a friend.

His friend suggests that he should

contact the editor of the sports magazine

where Lisa worked as a photographer.

Irakli thinks it over

and decides to take his friend's advice

and calls the editor

of Skhivi Magazine.

The editor suggests they meet

at the stadium that evening.

The editor tells Irakli

Lisa hasn't been to work in a while

and has an unfinished project.

Lisa was planning to photograph football

fields in small Georgian villages.

She'd already done her research

and roughly mapped out the locations.

However, the editor doesn't know

anything else about the project

and recommends Irakli to

speak with Lisa's colleague Levan.

Levan, like many others

in this film's reality, is invisible.

Right now, for instance,

there are two people in the frame

but they can't be seen.

Levan is Lisa's longtime friend

and colleague.

They worked together

on her last project too.

Lisa was to photograph

village football fields,

while Levan would write about them.

Levan tells Irakli

to visit the places Lisa wanted to

photograph if he wants to find her.

The problem is, even though they'd

already visited these places together,

Levan can only vaguely recall

the exact locations.

Seeing how worried Irakli is,

Levan offers to help search for Lisa.

Irakli accepts.

They decide to leave

the very next day to look for Lisa.

- Where should I pick you up?

- At the Sports Palace?

- By the hotel?

- No, over by Peking Street.

Okay, I'll be there at seven.

Sounds good. See you tomorrow.

So we've agreed,

that's a line.

Now let's talk about

another important concept

in our profession, in sports,

the circle.

Okay.

- Bye.

- Goodbye.

- Bye. Ana.

- Yes?

Could you wait by the stairs?

I have a small favor to ask you.

- Thank you.

- I'll wait.

Ana.

- Hello again

- Hello

- Heading home?

- No, I'm going to training now.

How is the fencing going?

We have a new coach

and we're preparing for a tournament.

That's great.

Ana, I need to ask you something

a bit unusual.

Okay.

I have to leave town for a few days.

And there's a dog I take care of.

I was wondering if you could

visit him once a day,

feed him, pet him

and stay with him a bit.

- Would that be possible?

- Yes, of course.

- Where is he?

- In Vere Park,

near the Chess Palace.

To the right of the palace

there's a small path down

and a little courtyard.

That's where a beautiful,

smart dog named Panda lives.

- Okay.

- That's it.

So Vere Park, to the right of

the Chess Palace, and Panda, right?

Exactly.

Okay, sure.

Thank you so much, Ana.

- No problem.

- Bye.

Panda how are you?

Do you have enough water?

How are you?

Come.

I have to leave you

for a few days, okay?

Someone will take care of you.

See you soon.

Bye.

Want some cold water?

I've got some, thanks.

- Ready?

- Let's go.

Irakli and Levan set off,

but as they leave the city,

it becomes clear

that Levan remembers far less

than he thought.

- Hello.

- Hello.

I'd like to show you a photo.

Have you seen this person?

No, definitely not.

Genadi, do you know anything?

- Thank you.

- Sure.

Mr Genadi, I'll show you a photo.

Have you seen this person?

No, sorry.

Thanks anyway.

Where's the stadium around here?

That's easy,

just follow the main road.

Let's go this way.

There is a stadium.

Near the school?

Exactly.

It's dangerous.

That's why nobody swims here, Son.

The water seems calm,

but the current gets very strong suddenly.

There are underwater currents,

and you can't

just swim through them.

It's impossible to swim, I'd say.

You'd have to fly.

Like a buffalo.

- Is that drinking water?

- Yes.

Now, how do I get to that swampy area?

If you drive down here,

you'll reach the center.

Then turn right.

There's the cemetery.

You'll need to drive up a little,

and you'll see it.

- Right there?

- Yes.

- Okay, thank you so much.

- No problem.

- Thank you.

- Bye.

- What is it called again?

- Cat Swamps.

Thank you.

There's a school up there. Nothing for us,

but some kids were playing there.

They told me about a certain place.

It's called Cat Swamps.

Have you ever heard of it?

Cat Swamps?

You wouldn't forget a name like that.

But let's check it out anyway.

Yeah, let's do it.

I've never seen this person.

I wouldn't have forgotten her.

I'll show you the photo anyway,

maybe it'll help.

No, I've never seen this girl.

Okay, thanks.

Irakli.

Come here for a second.

No, definitely haven't seen her.

Will you take a look?

No, sorry.

Okay.

- Should we go, Levan?

- Yes.

- Goodbye.

- Bye.

Come.

Could you please tell me how to get to

the football field in the next village?

You see that road?

Go straight.

Follow it.

Then turn right.

You'll reach the village of Khvashiti,

where there's a small community center.

There's a field there,

and the stadium's nearby too.

Water used to collect there,

but now I'm not sure.

- We'll check it out.

- Yes, you should.

So it should be easy to find.

Yeah, people live there.

You can ask around.

- Thank you so much.

- My pleasure.

- Irakli.

- Yeah.

- Did you sleep?

- Just dozed off a bit.

Let's rest here for a while.

- Okay?

- Sure.

Alright, whatever you want.

I'll look around and be right back.

Let me show you this photo.

Take a good look, please.

Never seen her.

Okay, that road over there,

right there.

Where does it go?

Will it take us to those villages

up there?

Where the meadows are?

Yeah, the road goes right to the meadows.

Thanks a lot.

Goodbye.

Hello.

- Hi.

- Hello.

Are you guys here often?

- Yeah.

- Too often, maybe.

Let me show you a photo.

Take a good look,

maybe you've seen the person?

No, definitely not.

Nope.

Okay, thanks anyway.

Goodbye.

You're welcome.

Last year, we had more snow

in spring than in December.

The past two years we've had spring snow

that destroyed a lot.

Grapes, for example.

We used to get two to three tons.

Did it freeze everything?

Yeah. My father used

to give his father firewood for free.

And his father would always give us

200 kilos of grapes as a gift.

But last year,

they didn't even have any to eat.

Same this year.

Did the vineyard survive,

or is it completely ruined?

It's completely ruined.

They used to get up to three tons.

For wine and eating.

How bad was the frost

to mess everything up like that?

Snow everywhere.

There was barely any snow in December.

Some, but not much.

You could've easily walked in shoes

like yours. That's how little there was.

Then,

in February it kept getting deeper

until it reached my knees.

But in spring it got really heavy.

A meter of snow, up to my waist.

That's too much.

Then it melted, and at the end

of March it snowed again.

Then came heavy rain.

And when we really didn't need it,

the sun came out.

Everything dried up.

Spinach, for example.

I used to grow lots of it

here in the village.

And up on the mountain too.

This year there's none on the mountain,

but some in the village.

- I don't know why so.

- Irakli.

- I think we should go.

- Sure, let's go.

Thanks, guys.

I think we should drive straight ahead.

This way?

Yeah, the way we came.

Hi guys, can I ask you something?

Hello.

Could everyone come here

for a second?

I'm looking for someone.

A young woman, about 28.

She's my daughter.

She might have come to your village

taking photographs.

Have you seen her?

No, not really.

Let me show you her photo.

Maybe that'll help.

Everyone, please look.

No.

You're sure?

Positive.

Okay.

- Thank you.

- Goodbye.

What did that guy you talked to say?

Nothing much.

There's a football field,

but it's new, with artificial turf.

Okay.

Is it worth driving that way?

We haven't been there yet.

To those villages.

I think we should definitely go.

An old friend of mine works in Zestafoni.

He manages a stadium.

I introduced him to Lisa

a while back for another project.

Let's go see him.

Maybe he knows something.

I think it's better if I go alone.

Yeah, he's your friend.

I'll be here.

Yes, you can come down.

I'm at the gate with the big ball.

I'm heading your way.

Where are you?

Should I turn around?

Straight ahead, then left.

Got it.

I'm here, by the window

with the decorative bars.

No clue,

I'm right where you told me to be.

Okay.

I'm at entrance 43, like you said.

Oh, there you are.

- Irakli, goodbye.

- Bye.

- Sorry I couldn't help.

- No worries.

Nothing to apologize for.

Thanks so much. Goodbye.

- Irakli.

- Yes.

- Irakli.

- Yes.

Are you into hot weather

or cold weather?

I like it cold and sunny.

That's nice.

Where were you, Levan?

You said we should go.

You fell asleep,

so I didn't wake you.

Good thing you got some rest.

We wasted the whole day here.

Yes, we're doing fine.

Everything's okay.

No, Nino, nothing important.

Okay, don't worry. I'll call you.

I'm always here, but unfortunately

I haven't seen anyone like that.

Ok, thanks then.

But there's a man who lives up there.

He knows everything around here.

You mean the road up there?

Yeah, I think you should try him.

Irakli.

Come here.

There's a good spring.

Come on, come on.

Let's say goodbye to the donkey.

Go ahead and call him.

Sure, I'll call.

Why did we come all this way?

What are we even doing here?

Yeah, I think this was pointless.

Well, I'll call about

that other lake then.

You can ask around here.

I'll go inside. Let me know

when you're done with your call.

Irakli,

don't worry so much.

Something will turn up, trust me.

Let's hit the road

so we don't waste any more time, okay?

Okay.

Should we go to that other lake?

Yeah, I think that makes sense.

Fine, whatever you say.

I'm completely lost.

Let's do it.

So we're going full circle?

Yes.

Maybe there really is something there.

Why not? It's a big village.

I remember driving through those areas.

It's a huge village.

How can there not be a football field?

There's gotta be one, I'm sure.

But there weren't any

in the village before.

That doesn't mean anything.

True, true.

Hope it doesn't get dark.

Excuse me,

is there a football field in the village?

Of course there is.

Just walk down that path.

This way?

Yeah, you can't miss it.

Thanks, I'll check it out.

Yeah, go ahead.

We were here around the same time before.

Around sunset.

Where did you drive after that?

Can't you remember?

So if you came from there...

No, I don't remember.

I mean, you came that way, didn't you?

Then you would've gone that way.

On this road.

Up there.

If you went up there,

you would've come down the other side.

You must remember.

Some places look really similar,

and that throws me off.

And you know,

when you're not driving yourself,

you don't really remember the route.

Let's try this way.

The road's rough, but still.

Or we could go around this way.

Drive around first, then go up later.

Whatever you say.

Let's find a hotel for tonight.

This is getting to be too much.

Do you know of anything nearby?

There's gotta be something.

- We can ask at the spring.

- Yeah.

Hello there.

Hello.

Hi.

I have a question.

A while back I was here with my daughter,

and we stayed at a hotel.

It was somewhere around here,

but I can't find it now.

I'm sure it was here.

Maybe you could tell me how to get there?

Of course.

Just follow this road and you'll find it.

You mean this way?

Go around this way

and it's right there?

Yeah, it's right there.

So it's easy to find.

You can't miss it.

- Will someone be there?

- Yes, for sure.

- Thanks so much. Goodbye.

- Goodbye.

- Bye.

- Bye.

Levan, let's grab breakfast

and then head out.

Go ahead,

I'll find something to eat on the way.

Okay.

What are you guys doing here?

We play football here at 6pm

- Here on this field?

- Yes.

- Good luck with your game.

- Thanks.

- Bye.

- Bye.

Can you tell me

where the football field is?

Where do the kids play football?

If you go down this road,

you'll see a fence.

Just follow the road, look for the fence,

and the field's behind it.

- This road?

- Yeah.

Go straight

and you'll see the colored fence.

- Got it.

- That's where you will find the field.

Great.

How do we get to the monastery?

No clue.

Thanks.

No, we just happened to be here.

Awesome.

It's been forever since we saw each other.

I know.

I think since graduation.

Must be six or seven years.

At least.

Don't tell me you're still

working at Skhivi.

Still there.

I got the job sophomore year

and never left.

You've been there since sophomore year?

Not bad.

I don't write anymore.

But I've got horses now.

That's mine. She's gotta go now.

I've got more, and work's going great.

So cute.

What could be better?

Nothing, really.

Hey, tell me,

do you remember Lisa?

She used to hang out with Kote,

the photographer...

Of course I remember her.

Have you seen her around here lately?

Maybe you ran into her?

Lisa? Here? No way.

Is everything alright?

Looks like they're asleep.

Should we wake them up?

Hello.

Sorry.

There should be

a football field around here somewhere.

- It's over there.

- Can you show us the way?

Let's follow them.

No, have not seen her.

Your turn,

take a good look.

Maybe you've seen her?

No.

Irakli,

I'll check up there-be right back.

Yeah, we'll be here.

- Could I ask you a favor?

- Sure.

See that goal?

A bull knocked down one of the posts.

- Think you could help us put it back up?

- Yeah, absolutely. Let's do it.

- That's good?

- Yeah, thanks.

You said you'd introduce me

to someone.

- Right.

- Come on, show me?

Sure.

There's nothing here.

Two houses, both abandoned.

But I found some apricots.

Really ripe. Look at these.

Let's try one.

Let's go, Irakli.

No point staying here.

Please...

This used to be the village club.

They showed movies here, had concerts.

The choir rehearsed here.

This is where they showed movies, right?

Yeah, the projector was there,

and we had the screen here.

It was always packed.

Always sold out.

Now there's nobody.

The village was bustling back then.

We had such merrymaking here.

Dancing and singing.

Then it collapsed in the earthquake.

They tore down the second floor,

and it sat empty for 20 years.

Now I'm back in the village

fixing it up myself.

Let's make a toast.

Please, have a seat.

Please, let's drink and have some apples.

Now tell me, how can I help you?

I'm looking for my daughter.

She's 28 years old,

and I think she might have

come through your village.

She would've been taking photos.

You definitely would've noticed her.

Please try to remember.

I can show you her picture.

Take a look, maybe it'll help.

No, sorry.

I haven't seen anyone like that.

God willing,

you'll find her safe and sound.

Here's to your success.

Here's to finding her.

- I'll take an apple.

- Please, go ahead.

How you doing, boy?

Always just lounging around, sleeping...

For how long?

Looks like he's got glasses on.

Bob, come here.

Go on, don't be shy.

What's up, Levan?

Nothing much.

I met a nice guy,

but he doesn't know anything useful.

But he did tell me how to get

to a football field.

Let's check it out.

It's hard to find, but let's try.

Weird.

I dream about this place a lot.

So you've been here before?

Never.

Only in my dreams.

Hey guys,

where's the football field around here?

There's an old one

if you just follow this road.

- Is that bridge safe?

- Sure.

Irakli.

Do you see any path we can take?

No, there's nothing here.

Okay, let's head back then.

Should we try the other side?

No way. I can't get across there.

You know what?

My uncle lives around here.

If he finds out I was here

and didn't visit,

he'll be really upset.

Can we stop by for a minute?

There's this amazing bakery

in the village.

We should get him something.

Sure, as you wish.

SWEETS OF GREAT SHULAVERI

I planted that mulberry tree

in '62 or '64.

I remember that tree.

I remember when it was smaller.

You came here as a child.

Many times.

Antimoz was a remarkable man.

A former priest.

I'm 91

and I've met many people,

but I never imagined someone like him

could exist.

He had such a wonderful spirit.

He wasn't tall.

Medium height,

but a magnificent man.

He was a teacher.

My teacher, actually.

There was Jubika Bakuradze.

My friend.

We were in the same class.

Born on the same day.

Jubikuna was five minutes

older than me.

Tamara Niparovna was our teacher,

and we never let her

actually teach the class.

One day she said,

"Now you'll have Antimoz

as your teacher.

"Try messing with him,

if you're so tough."

We laughed. "Who's Antimoz?"

When Antimoz walked in,

the classroom was in complete chaos.

Kids on desks,

kids wrestling,

kids throwing ba*ls.

Total mayhem.

He walked in calmly.

Didn't look at anyone.

Put the class register on the table,

picked up chalk.

Went to the blackboard

and drew a horse with a rider.

Gave the knight a bow and arrow

and drew a rabbit in the corner.

I can't do justice to how it felt.

He did it in such a way

you could hear a pin drop.

He was incredible.

He had this gift,

he could captivate anyone.

When he taught our class,

we'd skip other classes sometimes,

but never his.

When he came in,

first he'd share old tales,

fascinating stories.

Then he'd do roll call.

After that,

he'd teach us something new.

But he never asked about homework.

Never checked if we'd done it.

No pressure.

Just the old stories,

roll call,

then something new. That was it.

Wonderful man.

From Oni,

to his village Chordi.

When he died,

it was winter.

Snow was three feet deep.

They didn't use a sleigh or car.

His students carried him

ten kilometers on foot.

We respected him so much.

But...

he never mentioned religion.

Neither did we.

We knew from home he'd been a priest,

but he would've been arrested,

exiled, or shot.

Damn communists.

Hello there.

Hello.

Is there a football field around here?

No, there isn't one.

Okay, where's the spring then?

- What?

- A spring.

- Which spring?

- For drinking water.

I don't know,

there's no spring here.

I only know about one

called Bolotsminda.

But you'd have to go all the way

to the end to get drinkable water.

Thanks.

- Giorgi, that's not right

- That's what grandpa told me.

- Ready?

- Yeah.

Irakli,

Nino texted me-she can't reach you.

Levan,

How does this look on me?

Does your calf have a name?

She doesn't have one yet.

We're still thinking.

Let's go, Irakli.

Hello.

Hello.

How's it going?

Good, thanks.

Why did they put these posts in?

I don't know. Yesterday when I was here,

there was nothing.

Maybe they're gonna close it off.

I heard there's a football field nearby.

Do you know where it is?

There's no football field anymore.

What do you mean,

no football field anymore?

There used to be one,

but they tore it down.

They tore down the football field?

Yeah.

They are planning to build a hotel there.

We're headed that way-

need a ride anywhere?

No, I'm waiting for my friend.

We want to play football.

Goodbye then.

Bye.

But if there's no football field anymore,

where do you play?

Everywhere.

The editor of Skhivi Magazine

calls Irakli

to tell him he's received

a letter from Lisa.

The editor tells Irakli

he got it this morning.

Lisa apologizes for the delayed photos

and for not saying goodbye properly.

She explains she won't be working

at Skhivi for a while.

The editor tells Irakli

that the envelope also contained

film with all the photos they'd agreed on,

plus a list of where

and when each was taken.

Irakli realizes he's been

to all these places.

The editor says goodbye.

This call both worries Irakli

and puts his mind at ease.

Where does this clay come from?

It's from Shrosha.

Did you make all of it?

Yes, it's all mine.

Levan!

Yes.

Let's go.

Hello, I'm Nato.

- You must be Irakli.

- Yes, I am, hello.

Someone left something for you.

Just a moment.

I was asked to give this to you.

Who asked you?

Everything's explained in there.

Irakli, I miss you.

I thought it would be easier

being away from you both.

I know you're out looking for me.

I hoped you wouldn't come looking for me.

When I heard about it, I was upset,

but now I'm happy.

I was upset because if you're looking

for me, it means you didn't trust me.

But I quickly got over it and felt happy,

because we'll see each other soon.

I have so much to tell you.

I'll explain why I left when we meet.

But do you know

when I first thought about leaving?

It was the day they started

tearing down the sports university.

We watched together as this place

so important to us disappeared.

I was about to cry.

But when I looked at you,

I realized

that my sadness was nothing

compared to yours.

You looked so heartbroken,

I'll never forget it.

That's when I first thought about leaving.

I've seen so much since I left.

And I want to share it all with you.

How long have you been searching,

and what have you seen?

You have to tell me.

Maybe we've seen some of the same things.

Isn't that a kind of togetherness too?

You can find me easily.

I'm sure you remember

where you taught me to drive.

At the end of that path,

the road curves to the right.

When you drive to the end,

the road forks.

Stop there.

If you come during the day,

a slightly bent arrow in the cracked

pavement will point toward my gate.

It's green with a blank white sign.

If you come in the evening,

you'll first see a streetlight

that flickers quickly.

Ignore that one.

There's another streetlight

that goes on and off slowly all day.

You can see its light dancing

on many surfaces.

You won't miss it.

My gate is right under that lamp post.

But if you come at night,

forget about the surfaces

and just follow the lamp posts.

You might have to wait a bit,

but surely you'll spot the one,

that goes on and off.

Waiting for you,

Lisa.

Levan.

Yes.

Let's go.

No Irakli, I'll be here.

Sure?

Yes, of course.

So, she's okay?

Yes she's fine.

We can visit her for New Year's.

What about Levan?

What's he like?

He's a good guy.

You didn't drive him crazy on the trip?

No, we became friends.

But when we got back,

he wouldn't let me drive him home.

He said he lives far away

and would take the subway.

You traveled

all over the country together,

how could you not drive him home?

I tried, but he wouldn't let me.

Late at night, when the whole city

was asleep, Irakli lay awake.

"How good it is to be home",

Irakli thought.

Ever since he'd returned from his journey,

this thought came to him every night.

But sometimes,

not often, but still...

other thoughts would visit him too.

How is the little donkey by the church?

How is the puppy

who loves lying in the grass so much?

Who was the woman

who gave him Lisa's letter?

And then,

at the very end,

before falling asleep,

Irakli thought about the road.

How wonderful it is

that there are roads.