Lana Gogoberidze, a celebrated Georgian film director and politician, was born on October 13, 1928, in the vibrant city of Tbilisi, Georgia. As the daughter of Nutsa Gogoberidze, a renowned female Georgian director, and Levan Gogoberidze, a life tragically cut short in 1937 as a result of the Great Purge, Lana's life was forever marked by the devastating consequences of political upheaval. The loss of her father, Levan, and her mother's subsequent imprisonment for twelve years, left Lana to be raised by her aunts, who played a pivotal role in shaping her early years. Despite the dire circumstances and the lack of accessible educational opportunities, Lana's innate passion for filmmaking remained unbridled, serving as a beacon of hope and inspiration throughout her tumultuous upbringing.
Lana's academic pursuits took a significant turn as she dedicated herself to studying the intricacies of English and American literature at Tbilisi State University, where she cultivated a profound admiration for the remarkable works of the renowned American poet Walt Whitman.
Following the passing of Stalin, Lana seized the opportunity to enroll in the esteemed Department of Film-making at Moscow State University, eventually graduating in 1958.
Lana's illustrious career in filmmaking has been marked by a plethora of international accolades, recognizing her exceptional talent in both fiction and documentary filmmaking.
One of her most notable achievements is the entry of her film "Day Is Longer Than Night" into the prestigious 1984 Cannes Film Festival, a testament to her skill and artistry as a filmmaker.
Furthermore, Lana's influence and expertise in the film industry were acknowledged when she was invited to serve as a member of the esteemed jury at the 34th Berlin International Film Festival in the same year.
Her numerous accomplishments have been rewarded with a plethora of honors, including the esteemed State Award of the USSR, the State Award of the Georgian SSR, the People's Artist of the Republic of Georgia, and the prestigious French Legion of Honour, a testament to her dedication, hard work, and outstanding contributions to the world of cinema.
Lana's professional pursuits extend far beyond the realm of filmmaking, as she has also been a prominent figure in the world of politics.
For nearly a decade, from 1988 to 1995, Lana held the esteemed position of President of the International Association of Women Directors, a testament to her dedication to promoting women's empowerment and leadership.
In the following years, Lana continued to make her mark on the political landscape by serving as a member of the Parliament of Georgia from 1992 to 1995.
Lana's impressive political career did not stop there, as she went on to become a member of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe from 1996 to 2000.
In addition to her numerous political accomplishments, Lana also served as Georgia's Ambassador to France in 2004, further solidifying her reputation as a respected and accomplished stateswoman.
Lana's personal life has been characterized by her enduring marriage to the renowned architect Vladimir Aleksi-Meskhishvili, a union that began in 1958 and remained intact until his passing in 1978. Throughout their nearly two-decade-long partnership, the couple welcomed two daughters into the world, one of whom, Salomé Alexi, has remarkably followed in her mother's illustrious footsteps, emerging as a director in her own right.
