Patriarch Ilia II pays tribute to late filmmaker Eldar Shengelaia

The head of the Georgian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Ilia II, has paid tribute to the late filmmaker Eldar Shengelaia, describing him as a man whose life and work exemplified the belief that “the true meaning of life lies in serving goodness.”

In a condolence message on Thursday, the Patriarch remembered Shengelaia as “a prominent representative of our generation” whose legacy would live on through his acclaimed films and spiritual journey. The Patriarch also said the director’s body of work would continue to remind future generations of the enduring value of compassion and moral purpose.

“His magnificent films will always remind society of the truth: that the real meaning of life lies in serving goodness,” the Patriarch wrote.

He also spoke of Shengelaia’s difficult personal path, including the loss of his daughter, which, according to the letter, brought him closer to faith and transformed him into a devout Christian.

“We offer prayers for Mr Shengelaia, that the Lord may place his immortal soul in the abode of the righteous, in the bosom of Abraham,” Patriarch Ilia said, extending condolences to the filmmaker’s family, friends, and admirers.

Shengelaia, who passed away on 4 August at the age of 92, was one of Georgia’s most influential directors, known for classics such as Blue Mountains and The White Caravan. His films combined satire, social insight, and deep humanism, earning him critical acclaim both at home and abroad.