Falling Leaves (1966): Cast & Plot

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.