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Intensely engaging and uniquely insightful 13 (Tzameti) is a thrillingly surreal journey that begins with the descent of a young man, Sebastien (Georges Babluani),into a sinister criminal underworld in which men gamble on each others lives in a shockingly brutal new sport...

The story is told through the eyes of 26-year-old Georgian-born first time director Gela Babluani, son of well-known Georgian helmer Temur Babluani, who shows strong talent at creating an atmosphere of threatening mystery and powerful psychological violence. The director’s choice for Tariel Meliava’s black and white cinematography also enhances the strong brutality of each character building tension throughout the film.

Blowing away the competition at this year’s Venice Film Festival, one film has left a prominent mark on visitors and judges alike and looks set to do the same when it hits cinemas across the UK, courtesy of Revolver Entertainment. Gela Babluani’s captivating debut, 13 (Tzameti),scooped the ‘The Lion of the Future Award’ For Best First Film and has just been officially selected for competition at the Sundance Film Festival 2006.