Bitter Sugar

Logline

The three brothers Nika, Gika and Levan have to cope with life difficulties in a dying Georgian sugartown before their mother will arrive from emigration.

Synopsis

In the small Georgian town of Agara, three brothers—Nika, Giga, and Levan—live without their mother, who has migrated to Italy to save the family from poverty after the local sugar factory closed. Their father works long hours and comes home late, leaving the older brother, Nika, to take on the dual role of caretaker and provider.

Nika (19) is ambitious, responsible, and hardworking. Balancing his university studies and household chores, he attempts to fill the void left by their mother, baking cakes and maintaining the home, though his efforts never quite match the warmth of his mother’s touch. He dreams of a future beyond Sugartown, hoping to one day become a successful professional.

Giga (16), the middle brother, is an introverted and thoughtful teen. Socially isolated and shy, he prefers the shadows, finding solace only in his computer. Levan (12), the youngest, is a beacon of warmth and playfulness, bringing light and joy into the home with his music, laughter, and companionship with his dog and parrot. Despite the absence of their mother, Levan remains carefree, cherishing the rare video calls from her.

The family’s life unfolds against the backdrop of a struggling town and reflects the broader realities of Georgian society. The brothers’ dreams, routines, and interactions reveal the hopes and frustrations of youth in a community with limited opportunities. As time passes, their motivation wanes, and the innocence of childhood slowly fades, leaving a poignant portrait of resilience, responsibility, and longing.

Watch the trailer (password: LevanGikaNika)