Ketevan Vashagashvili's compelling debut documentary, '9-Month Contract,' offers a profound look into the life of Zhana, a surrogate mother in Georgia. The film, a decade in the making, captures Zhana's struggles and unwavering dedication to her daughter, navigating the complex societal landscape of surrogacy. This powerful narrative sheds light on the often-unseen sacrifices and the universal pursuit of dignity amidst challenging circumstances.

Insight into a Surrogate's World: Zhana's Ten-Year Journey Unveiled

In a deeply moving revelation, Georgian filmmaker Ketevan Vashagashvili's inaugural feature documentary, '9-Month Contract,' recently garnered the prestigious Spotlight Award at the Alternativa Film Festival. The film's core narrative revolves around Zhana, a surrogate mother whose life story profoundly impacted Vashagashvili. "We grew together and changed each other's lives," Vashagashvili shared, reflecting on her decade-long connection with Zhana.

Vashagashvili emphasizes that the film is a testament to a mother's ultimate sacrifice, driven by a singular, poignant inquiry: "How far will a mother go out of unconditional love for her child?"

Their paths first converged in 2012, during Vashagashvili's filming of a short TV documentary exploring the lives of individuals post-orphanage care in Georgia. Amidst many young women trapped in cycles of exploitation and addiction, Zhana emerged as a beacon of resilience. Homeless and raising her four-year-old daughter, Elene, on the streets, Zhana's unwavering determination to keep her child out of the care system left an indelible mark on the filmmaker.

Inspired by Zhana's spirit, Vashagashvili began documenting her life, aiding her in securing safe accommodation, raising funds for rent, and connecting her with employment and social support. "It took time to build her trust," Vashagashvili noted, "but now Zhana and Elene are an integral part of my life."

The documentary intimately chronicles Zhana's decision to pursue surrogacy as a means of survival and to provide a better future for Elene. Her journey is fraught with challenges, including societal judgment, encounters with unscrupulous clients, shadowy agencies, and significant health risks. The film reveals Zhana carrying four pregnancies to term and tragically losing a fifth, illustrating the immense physical and emotional toll of her choices.

Beyond Zhana's personal odyssey, '9-Month Contract' critically examines the multifaceted themes of motherhood, the practice of surrogacy, the commodification of women's bodies, and the harsh realities of homelessness within contemporary Georgian society. The narrative is firmly anchored in the universal human yearning for dignity, security, and a deeper understanding of maternal identity. Vashagashvili points out that surrogacy in Georgia, while legal, lacks comprehensive regulation, underscoring the systemic vulnerabilities faced by women like Zhana.

Motherhood remains a central motif in Vashagashvili's body of work, as evidenced by her previous short film, 'Online Mother,' which explored the experiences of immigrant mothers and long-distance family ties. This enduring fascination naturally led her to delve into the complex subject of surrogacy. Her future projects are also anticipated to continue exploring women's issues.

In Zhana, Vashagashvili discovered a profoundly resonant figure: a woman who, despite growing up without a mother herself, was propelled by an fierce maternal instinct and an unyielding commitment to her daughter. "My two core interests converged in Zhana," Vashagashvili stated, "and I couldn't have found a more fitting individual through whom to explore the themes that personally moved me."

'9-Month Contract' is a collaborative production by Nino Chichua and Anna Khazaradze for 1991 Productions, Martichka Bozhilova for Agitprop, and Sylvia Nagel for Vincent Productions. The documentary is scheduled for a theatrical release in Georgia in May, following its recognition at the 3rd Alternativa Film Festival held from April 21-30 in Medellín, Colombia.

This documentary serves as a stark reminder of the extraordinary lengths some mothers go to secure a future for their children. It challenges viewers to consider the ethical and societal implications of commercial surrogacy, especially in unregulated environments. The film’s raw portrayal of Zhana’s resilience and vulnerability offers a powerful commentary on human dignity and the enduring strength of maternal love in the face of profound adversity.