Kote Daushvili

Kote Daushvili

Actor

Born: 1907 in Georgia, Russian Empire Died: 1980 Active: 1938-1970s Birth Name: Konstantine Daushvili

About Kote Daushvili

Kote Daushvili (Konstantine Daushvili) was a distinguished Georgian actor who made significant contributions to Soviet cinema during the mid-20th century. Born in 1907 in Georgia, he began his acting career in the 1930s and quickly established himself as a versatile performer capable of portraying a wide range of characters. His breakthrough came with the 1938 film 'Friends,' where he demonstrated his natural acting ability and screen presence. Throughout his career, which spanned several decades, Daushvili appeared in numerous Georgian and Soviet productions, becoming one of the most recognizable faces in Georgian cinema. He was particularly known for his ability to embody authentic Georgian characters, bringing depth and authenticity to his roles. His performance in 'The Elusive Jan' (1943) further cemented his reputation as a reliable and talented actor. Daushvili continued acting well into the 1970s, leaving behind a rich legacy of performances that captured the essence of Georgian culture and identity during the Soviet era.

The Craft

On Screen

Daushvili was known for his naturalistic acting style, bringing authenticity and depth to his character roles. He had a particular talent for portraying ordinary Georgian people with dignity and realism, avoiding theatrical excesses common in early Soviet cinema. His performances were marked by subtle emotional nuances and a deep understanding of human nature.

Milestones

  • Breakthrough role in 'Friends' (1938)
  • Memorable performance in 'The Elusive Jan' (1943)
  • Extensive filmography in Georgian cinema
  • Recognition as a leading character actor in Soviet Georgia
  • Contributions to preserving Georgian cultural identity through film

Best Known For

Iconic Roles

  • Character roles in Georgian films
  • Supporting roles that showcased his versatility

Must-See Films

  • Friends (1938)
  • The Elusive Jan (1943)

Accolades

Won

  • Honored Artist of the Georgian SSR

Special Recognition

  • Recognition as a significant contributor to Georgian cinema
  • Cultural preservation through film

Working Relationships

Worked Often With

  • Georgian directors of the Soviet era

Studios

  • Georgian Film Studio (Kartuli Filmi)

Why They Matter

Impact on Culture

Kote Daushvili played a crucial role in maintaining and promoting Georgian cultural identity through cinema during the Soviet period. His authentic portrayals of Georgian characters helped preserve national traditions and values on screen at a time when many cultures faced assimilation. His work contributed to the development of a distinct Georgian cinematic language that balanced Soviet artistic requirements with national cultural expression.

Lasting Legacy

Daushvili's legacy lies in his extensive body of work that documented Georgian life and culture during the Soviet era. His films serve as important cultural artifacts that preserve Georgian traditions, dialects, and social customs. He is remembered as one of the foundational actors of Georgian cinema who helped establish a national film identity within the broader Soviet cinema framework.

Who They Inspired

Daushvili influenced subsequent generations of Georgian actors by demonstrating how to maintain cultural authenticity while working within the Soviet film system. His naturalistic acting style and commitment to portraying genuine Georgian characters set a standard for character actors in Georgian cinema.

Off Screen

Kote Daushvili lived through significant periods of Georgian history, from the Russian Empire through the Soviet era. He was deeply connected to Georgian culture and used his acting career to preserve and promote Georgian identity during a time of cultural assimilation pressures.

Education

Likely received formal training in acting, though specific details are not widely documented

Did You Know?

  • His birth name was Konstantine Daushvili, with 'Kote' being a common Georgian diminutive
  • He was active during one of the most productive periods for Georgian cinema
  • His career spanned from the late 1930s through the 1970s
  • He worked primarily with the Georgian Film Studio
  • His films are now considered important cultural documents of Soviet-era Georgia
  • He helped establish a tradition of authentic Georgian character acting
  • His work coincided with the golden age of Georgian cinema
  • He was part of a generation of artists who navigated the complex relationship between Soviet cultural policies and national identity

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Kote Daushvili?

Kote Daushvili was a prominent Georgian actor who worked in Soviet cinema from the 1930s through the 1970s. He was known for his authentic portrayals of Georgian characters and his contributions to preserving Georgian cultural identity through film.

What films is Kote Daushvili best known for?

Daushvili is best known for his roles in 'Friends' (1938) and 'The Elusive Jan' (1943), though he appeared in numerous other Georgian and Soviet films throughout his career.

When was Kote Daushvili born and when did he die?

Kote Daushvili was born in 1907 in Georgia (then part of the Russian Empire) and died in 1980, living through most of the Soviet period.

What awards did Kote Daushvili win?

He was recognized as an Honored Artist of the Georgian SSR, acknowledging his significant contributions to Georgian cinema and culture.

What was Kote Daushvili's acting style?

Daushvili was known for his naturalistic and authentic acting style, particularly excelling at portraying ordinary Georgian characters with realism and depth. He avoided theatrical excesses and focused on subtle emotional nuances in his performances.

Films

2 films