The experimental documentary short film ALIVE BUILDINGS by Georgian filmmaker Salome Vepkhvadze won the “Best Documentary Short” award at the 7th Oakland Short Film Festival (OSFF) in California. The awards ceremony took place on June 13, 2026, at the historic Landmark’s Piedmont Theatre in Oakland.
The 16-minute film combines documentary elements with a poetic narrative style and embarks on an extraordinary journey through the architectural history of the Georgian capital, Tbilisi. The story begins with a young woman’s encounter with a mysterious book. It turns out to be a guide to significant modernist buildings from the Soviet era that have since fallen into oblivion as “lost places.” As she explores, a fascinating glimpse into the city’s cultural and architectural heritage unfolds.
The film was produced as part of the 2023 Media Arts Film Scholarship.
The jury of the Oakland Short Film Festival particularly praised the innovative combination of architecture, the culture of remembrance, and cinematic design. The festival is one of the most important platforms for independent short film productions and presents selected works from around the world each year.
Producer Dr. Oliver Langewitz expressed his delight at the international recognition:
“We are thrilled to receive this award at the Oakland Short Film Festival. ALIVE BUILDINGS powerfully illustrates how architecture tells stories and preserves collective memories. The award confirms that cultural heritage and innovative forms of cinematic storytelling can resonate with audiences even across national borders. My heartfelt congratulations go to director Salome Vepkhvadze and the entire team.”