According to Radio Free Europe, Georgians are likely to be able to travel visa-free to the Schengen zone starting late March or early April 2017.

“Of course that entering Schengen zone will make a difference! Most of Georgian films are coproductions with European countries, that is why it will be much easier for them to travel in European countries, as well as to participate in European festivals and different industrial platforms”, David Vashadzde, Head of Distribution and Export Department, Georgian National Film Centre.

Vashadze also told FNE than “even now it was very difficult to get visas for Georgian actors going to attend Berlinale, as four Georgian films will screen in different sections of the festival.”

The next step would be a vote in the European Parliament and the European Council on a mechanism allowing for the suspension of visa-free regime.