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Georgian Dream documentary is a collection of discussions conducted ten days after the Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24th, 2022, featuring three young Georgians interviewed in a hotel room next to the Georgian parliament, in front of which people are protesting against their government’s inaction in the face of the crisis.

Shota, Giorgi and Nicholoz

discuss the Georgian experience in war and corruption tied to Russia, the situation in Ukraine and the possible futures for countries like Georgia and Ukraine.

Listening to the three young men gave us an increased understanding of life overshadowed by post-Soviet history and current Russian influence.

Especially insightful was their description of what it’s like to try and move forward as a nation when you are treated as a pawn in a game played by forces magnitudes stronger than you.

We include our own knowledge where it adds context to the messages voiced, but many events in the history of modern Georgia are still clouded in mystery, with little factual evidence available. 

The discussions are more relevant today than ever.

The Georgian government is currently doubling down with the new foreign agent law, inspired by Russian methods of controlling journalism and democratic institutions. The protests as well as the entire situation in Georgia is currently escalating rapidly.

EU, NATO, UKRAINE.

What does the future spell for these countries? Shota, Nikoloz and Giorgi believe that an EU membership should be in their future, but all acknowledge the uphill battle it is to get there.

The uncut discussions with Shota, Nikoloz and Giorgi are all also available for listening on our YouTube channel and podcast streaming services. Georgia is one of the countries to keep your eye on right now, so listening to the discussions in their entirety is an amazing way to get a deeper glimpse into the Georgian mindset.

Hildén and Kaira Podcast is a joint venture of two friends, Aarni Hildén and Matti Kaira, with a shared passion for learning and journalistic expression.

We are worried about the decline of open discussion, free speech as well as journalistic ethics and integrity in our society. Therefore, the aim of the podcast is to engage in discussions with different people on interesting topics and do so while abiding by the journalistic guidelines as set by the Council for Mass Media in Finland.