The premiere of the documentary film “The Banker’s Diaries” took place on the First Channel of Georgia’s Public Broadcaster. The film is dedicated to the 30th anniversary of Georgia’s national currency, the Lari, and portrays the life and work of Iason Lortkipanidze, the first head of the State Bank of Georgia.

Iason Lortkipanidze served as the inaugural head of the State Bank from 1919 to 1921. His contribution was pivotal not only to the establishment of the central bank, but also to many other national causes. He was a signatory of the Act of Independence of Georgia, headed the Society for the Spread of Literacy among Georgians, and was a member of the commission that founded Tbilisi State University. Under his leadership, the burial site of the renowned Georgian poet Nikoloz Baratashvili was located in Ganja. Lortkipanidze was also the elder brother of the distinguished Georgian writer Niko Lortkipanidze.

Natia Turnava, Governor of the National Bank of Georgia, expressed gratitude to the Public Broadcaster for its interest in the centennial history of Georgia’s first central bank and emphasized the unique role of Iason Lortkipanidze in the development of the country’s financial sector.

“It is of great importance for us to introduce and preserve for future generations the stories of heroes such as Iason Lortkipanidze. From our side, we will continue to honor these values and traditions that shaped the century-long history of the National Bank of Georgia,” noted Governor Turnava.

She also highlighted the value of Lortkipanidze’s epistolary legacy, which provides significant insights into banking and economic matters and served as the foundation for the film. Notably, the film features Lortkipanidze’s original handwriting.

Tinatin Berdzenishvili, Director General of the First Channel, underlined the symbolic nature of producing a documentary dedicated to two important anniversaries: the 30th anniversary of the national currency and the centennial of the launch of Georgia’s first public broadcasting.

“The 30th anniversary of the birth of our national currency, the Lari, is a highly significant milestone. This year also marks the 100th anniversary of the launch of public broadcasting in Georgia. These anniversaries belong to our country and to every citizen. It is therefore deeply symbolic that a documentary has been created to honor both of these important dates, capturing in the best way the history, culture, and heritage of our nation. It is also noteworthy that the National Bank of Georgia has prepared a special surprise for the Public Broadcaster the release of a commemorative coin featuring its emblem. I am confident that viewers will appreciate this film at its true value,” stated Tinatin Berdzenishvili.

As noted by Vasil Maghlaperidze, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the First Channel, with this film about Iason Lortkipanidze, the Documentary Film Studio of the First Channel continues to build the nation’s collective memory a process that will greatly benefit the country.

He further emphasized the symbolic coincidence of two anniversaries the 30th anniversary of the Lari and the 100th anniversary of public broadcasting in Georgia: “I am confident that such intellectual and cultural projects will continue, multiply, and serve our country well,” Mr. Maghlaperidze stated.

“Today marked the premiere of the documentary film about Iason Lortkipanidze, the first head and inaugural leader of the National Bank of Georgia. With this film, the Documentary Film Studio of the First Channel continues its work in building the nation’s collective memory. The productions created by this studio are not commercial projects; however, their value and significance grow over time. These works address matters of great importance, closely tied to our national identity.”

According to Rusudan Manjgaladze, Media Director of the First Channel, a portrait-style documentary was created about Iason Lortkipanidze, offering viewers many insights into his life and achievements.

“About a year ago, when the National Bank of Georgia began preparations for the 30th anniversary of the Lari, we considered what could be done to commemorate this milestone. That was when the idea arose to produce a documentary film about Iason Lortkipanidze. There is still much we do not know about the man who served as the first head of the National Bank, oversaw the establishment of the first national currency, and organized the discovery and repatriation of the grave of Nikoloz Baratashvili. He also made a significant contribution to the founding of Tbilisi State University. We decided that a portrait-style documentary would be the best way to tell his story. I believe our viewers will enjoy the film and learn many new and interesting things,” stated Ms. Manjgaladze.

Notably, in recent years, the National Bank of Georgia has launched several initiatives to honor and preserve the legacy of Iason Lortkipanidze. Among these efforts, the Bank received his unique family archive this year, which is now housed at the Money Museum in Kvareli and is accessible to the public.

 

Additionally, last year, a street and square adjacent to the Cash Center of the National Bank of Georgia were named in his honor, and a memorial plaque was unveiled at his former residence on Anton Purtseladze Street in Tbilisi.

 

The premiere of “The Banker’s Diaries” took place at the newly renovated headquarters of the Public Broadcaster, in the Illusioni cinema hall. Attendees included members of the Tbilisi City Council, among them Nino Vardosanidze, Chair of the Legal and Human Rights Committee, and Levan Abashidze, Chair of the Naming and Symbolism Committee, as well as descendants of Iason Lortkipanidze.

The television premiere of the documentary film will be broadcast on the First Channel on Saturday, September 20, at 19:30.