AceShowbiz - With its ancient churches, stark brutalist architecture, majestic mountains, and vibrant dive bars, Georgia has recently emerged as a compelling backdrop for international film productions.

The capital city of Tbilisi famously played a starring role in F9, the ninth installment of the Fast & Furious franchise. High-octane car chases featuring American muscle cars roared past iconic landmarks like the grand opera house, parliament, and Freedom Square – a powerful symbol of Georgia’s post-Soviet independence – as helicopters dramatically soared overhead.

Apple TV’s acclaimed series Drops of God utilized Georgia’s atmospheric vineyards and towering peaks for its cross-continental narrative of wine and inheritance. Similarly, Bollywood’s Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl transformed Kazbegi, a high-altitude region in northeastern Georgia, into the rugged terrain of India’s Kargil region, showcasing the country’s versatility.

The nation’s cinematic aspirations are clear. 'Georgia wants to become the Hollywood of the Caucasus,' states Tatia Bidzinashvili, director of Film in Georgia, a government-backed initiative dedicated to drawing both international and domestic productions. She adds, 'Some people think Georgia is like Zimbabwe, but then they come here and realize we are a modern and vibrant European country.'

Nestled strategically between Eastern Europe and Western Asia, this visually stunning country of fewer than 4 million people has attracted filmmakers globally. The pitch is strong: robust financial incentives, including a cash rebate of up to 25 percent on qualified production costs; a well-established ecosystem of experienced local crews; and a streamlined one-stop service for location scouting and permits. This builds on a rich filmmaking heritage from the Soviet era, when the state-run Georgian Film Studio (originally Kartuli Pilmi, founded in 1921) produced dozens of films annually at its peak.

Beyond financial and logistical support, Georgia offers an incredibly eclectic urban and natural environment. 'In Georgia, you can find snowy mountains, sunny beaches or forests within a three- or four-hour drive,' explains Irakli Makatsaria, a Tbilisi-based television presenter and owner of Maq Entertainment. This compactness allows for diverse settings within short travel times, making it an ideal choice for complex productions.

With its blend of historical depth, modern infrastructure, stunning landscapes, and proactive government support, Georgia is rapidly solidifying its position as a go-to destination for global cinema, truly aiming to become the 'Hollywood of the Caucasus.'