Crossing (, ) is a 2024 drama film written and directed by Levan Akin. It stars Mzia Arabuli, Lucas Kankava and Deniz Dumanlı. The film was selected in the Panorama section at the 74th Berlin International Film Festival, where it had its world premiere on 15 February 2024. It was released in Sweden on 22 March 2024, by TriArt Film. It fetched the IFFI ICFT UNESCO Gandhi Medal at the 55th International Film Festival of India.
Premise Lia, a retired schoolteacher from Georgia, sets out to find her long-lost niece Tekla, a transgender woman. Accompanied by Tekla's former neighbor, the unpredictable Achi, she travels to Istanbul to continue the search. There, they meet Evrim, a transgender legal advocate active in the city's trans community.
Cast Mzia Arabuli as Lia Lucas Kankava as Achi Deniz Dumanlı as Evrim
Production In January 2023, it was announced Levan Akin had written and directed the film, with principal photography concluding in Istanbul.
Release
Crossing had its world premiere on 15 February 2024, as part of the 74th Berlin International Film Festival, opening Panorama. Prior to its premier, Mubi acquired distribution rights to the film in North and Latin America, United Kingdom, Ireland, and Germany. It was released in Sweden on 22 March 2024, by TriArt Film.
At Berlin, the film received the Jury Prize from the Teddy Award jury for LGBTQ-themed films.Scott Roxborough, "Berlin: Indie Juries Pick ‘Sex’, ‘Dying’ and ‘Cake’". The Hollywood Reporter, 24 February 2024.
Reception
Metacritic, which uses a weighted average, assigned the film a score of 83 out of 100, based on 17 critics, indicating "universal acclaim".
Accolades Award Ceremony date Category Recipient(s) Result Ref. Berlin International Film Festival 15 February 2024 Teddy Award – Jury Prize Levan Akin Guadalajara International Film Festival 15 June 2024 Maguey Award – Special Jury Prize Levan Akin International Film Festival of India 28 November 2024 IFFI ICFT UNESCO Gandhi Medal Levan Akin Guldbagge Awards13 January 2025 Best Film Mathilde Dedye Best Director Levan Akin Best Actress in a Leading Role Mzia Arabuli Best Screenplay Levan Akin Best Cinematography Lisabi Fridell Best Sound Design Anne Gry Friis Kristensen and Sigrid DPA Jensen Best Production Design Roger Rosenberg GLAAD Media AwardsMarch 29, 2025Outstanding Film - Limited Release
References
External links