Young Georgian actor Irakli Kvirikadze has been named among 2018’s ten most talented, up-and-coming actors from all over Europe, who are ready to step out onto the international film scene. The actor will be presented to the film industry, public and international press during the 68th Berlin International Film Festival on February 15-25.

The list of the 10 most promising European actors was selected by a jury of industry experts within the European Shooting Stars program.  The European Shooting Stars is one of the flagship programmes of the European Film Promotion (EFP) – an international network of organisations promoting and marketing European cinema worldwide. The program has placed some of the most promising young actors from all over Europe into the limelight over the past 20 years and proven to be an essential stepping stone for launching their international careers. Each year, young actors from all over Europe – who have already made a name for themselves in their home countries – are nominated by the EFP member organisations to take part in the prestigious programme. A jury of industry professionals selects the ten most interesting and internationally versatile talents to be introduced to the press, industry and public at the Berlin International Film Festival. As a European Shooting Star, the actors and actresses attend a tailor-made programme, including meetings with casting directors, talent agents and producers, which broadens and strengthens their international industry alliances and networks. The activities culminate in a glamorous presentation of the European Shooting Stars Awards at the Berlinale Palast. Georgia submitted a nomination for the first time this year, putting forward a young actor, Irakli Kvirikadze, who straight away won over the jury with his “natural presence and overwhelming energy” in Rezo Gigineishvili’s feature drama Hostages. “Irakli is a fresh talent, giving a truly impressive performance in Hostages, an ensemble drama in which he shines, thanks to the emotional depth he displays”, the jury said about him. “Still young, Irakli’s admirable skills as a trained actor allow him to express passion, anger and sensibility. He has a natural presence and his overwhelming energy combined with humble eagerness, makes him an undisputed ‘one to watch'”. The selected group of outstanding young talent from Europe will take part in a dedicated workshop programme, rounded off by an awards ceremony at the Berlinale Palast on Monday, February 19, where each actor will be honoured with the European Shooting Stars Award.