Maghalashvili was selected from among three finalists. Thirteen applications were submitted to the Ministry of Culture and Monument Protection of Georgia.

The three candidates, Marina Khokhlenko Caltrider, Zurab Maghalashvili and Gaga Chkheidze, had to submit a three-year plan for the development of the GNFC.

Maghalashvili is a well-known producer and actor, whose credits include The April Chill (2010) directed by Tornike Bziava and produced by CineTech, Sibrdzne sitsruisa (1992) directed by Nana Khatiskatsi and produced by Qartuli Pilmi, and Ya obeschala, ya uydu… (1992) directed by Valeri Akhadov.