Falling Leaves 1966

The story follows young technologist Niko Nizharadze, Ramaz Giorgobiani, as he begins work at a Georgian wine factory alongside a friend. Niko is initially portrayed as uncertain, lacking confidence and discipline, but his honesty and straightforward nature set him apart. His integrity is soon tested when he becomes involved in a conflict over production practices. To meet aggressive targets, the factory management presses staff to bottle not only high-quality wine but also immature, inferior Saperavi. This problematic practice is well known among workers, who discreetly warn their friends and families to avoid these low-quality batches. Under the leadership of the Head of the wine factory, Aleqsandre Omiadze, decisions push ethics against the pressure to hit numbers, creating a tense backdrop for the moral questions at the heart of the film.

Meanwhile, Niko begins courting Marina, Marina Kartsivadze, a beautiful and capricious coworker who attracts many men’s attention. Marina enjoys teasing her suitors and pitting them against her most jealous and aggressive admirer for her amusement. Niko must navigate his feelings for Marina while contending with her manipulative games, which threaten his self-respect.

As the week unfolds, Niko is forced to confront his principles both in his professional life and in his personal relationships. He struggles to maintain dignity while standing up to unethical practices at the factory and asserting himself against Marina’s schemes. The film opens with a documentary-style prologue about traditional Georgian winemaking and is structured into chapters named after the days of the week, charting Niko’s journey of growth and self-discovery. The deliberate pacing and chaptered progression invite viewers to watch a gradual, thoughtful evolution as Niko learns what it means to stay true to himself in a small industrial world-deeply tied to craft, community, and tradition.