მისტერ გარიელი
The story of a long, lost Caucasian treasure.
Watch “Mr. Velvet Scoter”
Starring: Nika Paposhvili, Tabatskuri, and the Velvet Scoters.
GEORGIAN & ARMENIAN subtitles available, via settings button on YouTube.
Mr. Velvet Scoter synopsis
On a mountainous, volcanic plateau in southern Georgia, a long lost treasure has been found. This treasure, the velvet scoter, a diving duck, the last of its kind in the entire Caucasus.
In 2016, Nika Paposhvili was a young, ambitious masters student at Ilia State University when he took on the challenge to go on a wild duck chase across the lakes of Georgia. His discovery of Tabatskuri’s velvet scoters has changed everything for Nika, as he has gone on to commit his life to this bird, and support its battle against extinction.
Now a PhD candidate, for the last 6 years, Nika has worked year-round to protect this small and highly vulnerable population. Whilst protecting scoter life in Tabatskuri, he balances family life in the capital, Tbilisi – where his young family both cheer him on, and excitedly await his returns.
A film by Saxon Bosworth.
Mr. Velvet Scoter has been created in association with Garieli, Ilia State University, and Conservation Leadership Programme.
How to support the film:
- Like the film on YouTube & subscribe to our channel
- Share the film with friends
- Follow Nika and Saxon on Instagram
- Contact Nika for donation to his “Garieli” NGO, nika.paposhvili.1@iliauni.edu.ge
- Support the promotion of Mr. Velvet Scoter by donating to Saxon’s donation page
Thank you so much for any form of support!
Get notified about Saxon’s new projects
Sign up and I’ll send you emails with new films or projects of mine. No spam.
Tbilisi premiere
The premiere took place in the San Diego University building of Ilia State University on May 31st 2023. Here is a photo album of the event captured by Ilia State University.
Media coverage
Article by Saxon for OC Media
Saxon’s OC Media article, translated in Georgian by ON.ge
Reportage by Formula TV Georgia
Originally televised on 30.05.23, and shared on Formula TV Facebook.
Reviewed by Lossi 36
Article by Conservation Leadership Programme (partner of FFI, long term supporter of Nika’s conservation work)
Reported by Georgia Today
Documented in Conservation Optimism’s blog
Included in Red Fedora Diary’s guide to Samtskhe-Javakheti
Shared in Opticron’s September edition of the #SeeNature newsletter
Shared by NACRES (ნაკრესი)
Shared by CENN (in CENN’s email News Bulletin)
Shared by Mountain Partnerships (a United Nations voluntary alliance)
“Mr. Velvet Scoter” film stills
The following images are available for republishing, providing a link to the film or this page are provided. The images are available for download on this Google Drive folder.
“Mr. Velvet Scoter” teaser clips
Get notified about Saxon’s new projects
Sign up and I’ll send you emails with new films or projects of mine. No spam.
Découvrir La Vie 