About this project

Now seeking finishing funds, this non-profit feature length documentary canvasses the life and legacy of charismatic teacher, musician, painter and sculptor Dr. Wachtang “Botso” Korisheli.

This extraordinary story will not only touch the hearts of viewers. It will also benefit young musicians for decades since all profits from the film will go toward music scholarships!

THE STORY

Botso's story is astonishing. Born in the Republic of Georgia, he experienced his father’s sudden execution in the Soviet Union, then his own brutal imprisonment under the regimes of both Stalin and Hitler.

Botso arrived in America with nearly nothing. His new life eventually brought him to Morro Bay, a small fishing village in California. Here, he went on to teach thousands of children not only how to become great musicians and artists, but how to become remarkable human beings.

Turning 90 years old later this year, Botso is still teaching.

In revealing Dr. Korisheli’s life journey, we explore the importance of the global community, the arts for children and the creative process. We also spent two weeks shooting in the Republic of Georgia, offering a window into the life-affirming culture of this ancient country.

WE NEED YOUR HELP IN COMPLETING BOTSO

With a completed storyboard, 90 percent of the movie has been filmed, featuring in-depth interviews with Botso and members of his family, as well as dozens of current and former students, including six-time Grammy Award winner Kent Nagano. Artistic recreations, archival photographs and vintage movie clips will be seamlessly blended into the final digital editing process. Shot in high definition video, the budget for BOTSO is a modest $200,000. To date, more than $100,000 has been raised through tax-deductible donations and grants.

THE NEXT $20,000 WILL HELP US FINISH EDITING BOTSO

Filmed under of the San Luis Obispo Symphony in California, a tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) charitable organization, ALL donations are 100 percent tax deductible.

In 2010, our 30-minute, work-in-progress cut of BOTSO was screened to enthusiastic audiences at Columbia University, the San Luis Obispo International Film Festival and the Fallbrook Film Festival. At the latter event, our cut garnered the top prize, the Audience Choice Award, competing with more than 50 other films. For more information, and to view two short trailers, visit www.botsomovie.com.

We’re also on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pages/Botso-The-Passion-of-Music-The-Power-of-Art/180113409572

Completion of filming and editing is slated for the fall of 2011.