Georgia's Oscar Entry Panopticon Explores Faith, Desire and Political Tensions

A raw coming-of-age story collides with Georgia's political divides. Can Sandro escape the watchful eyes of faith, family, and a fractured society?

, and Administrator

2026 March 7 . 7:01 AM

1 min read

The image shows an old map of the city of Tbilisi, Georgia, with text written on it. The map is... — The image shows an old map of the city of Tbilisi, Georgia, with text written on it. The map is detailed, showing the streets, buildings, and other landmarks of the area. The text on the map provides additional information about the city, such as its population, roads, and landmarks.

Georgia's Oscar Entry Panopticon Explores Faith, Desire and Political Tensions

Georgia's official entry for the 2026 Academy Awards has arrived on streaming platforms. Panopticon, the feature debut of director George Sikharulidze, follows an 18-year-old in Tbilisi torn between faith and desire. The film is now available to watch on Cavea+.

The story centres on Sandro, a teenager living in Tbilisi's outer Varketili district. His life is shaped by two opposing forces: a strict religious upbringing and an overwhelming sexual awakening. This internal struggle pushes him toward radical politico groups, mirroring Georgia's own political tensions.

The title Panopticon refers to Jeremy Bentham's prison design, where inmates are constantly watched. In the film, Sandro's every move feels scrutinised—by his family, his faith, and the society around him. His mother works abroad, while his father has left to become a monk, leaving him adrift in a fractured post-Soviet household.

The movie does not shy away from taboo subjects. It openly depicts masturbation, pre-marital sex, and the clash between personal freedom and conservative values. These themes have sparked debate in Georgia, where such topics are rarely discussed in public.

Behind the scenes, the film's release comes at a difficult time for Georgian cinema. The National Film Centre faces a boycott from local filmmakers, who accuse it of politico interference and censorship.

Panopticon has already made an impact as Georgia's Oscar submission. Its raw portrayal of youth, religion, and nationalism offers a glimpse into the country's social divides. The film's availability on Cavea+ means audiences can now see this controversial story for themselves.