New Movies: 9-Month Contract (2025) by Ketevan Vashagashvili
- dailyentertainment95
- May 11
- 7 min read
Updated: May 15
9-Month Contract (2024) by Ketevan Vashagashvili: A Provocative Look at Surrogate Motherhood in Georgia
Ketevan Vashagashvili, the Georgian writer and director, makes a compelling debut with her feature film 9-Month Contract. This timely and thought-provoking drama, which premiered at the 2024 Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival, delves into the ethically complex and emotionally charged world of surrogate motherhood in Georgia, a country that has become a hub for such services.
Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt17890638/
Link Review: https://dmovies.org/2025/03/26/9-month-contract/
Link to watch: https://pro.festivalscope.com/film/9-month-contract-1, https://www.filmin.es/pelicula/9-month-contract (Spain, available until May 24th)
Detailed Summary
9-Month Contract centers on Natia (Salome Demuria), a young woman in Georgia who decides to become a surrogate mother for an affluent foreign couple. Faced with economic hardship and the promise of a substantial financial reward, Natia enters into this arrangement, viewing it as a purely contractual agreement—a job designed to secure her family's financial future.
However, as her pregnancy progresses, the clinical detachment she tries to maintain begins to unravel. The physical and emotional realities of carrying a life for another couple challenge her initial perception of the "contract." The film meticulously observes the process, from the initial medical procedures and interactions with the agency to the evolving relationship (or lack thereof) with the commissioning parents.
The narrative delves into the ethical dilemmas inherent in commercial surrogacy, particularly when there's a significant socio-economic disparity between the surrogate and the commissioning parents. Natia's journey highlights the emotional toll of such an arrangement, the potential for exploitation, and the complex feelings that arise when a woman carries a child that is biologically hers but legally belongs to others. The film explores the societal pressures that lead women like Natia to make such profound choices, questioning the commodification of the female body and the concept of motherhood. As the nine-month term approaches its conclusion, Natia is forced to confront the emotional implications of her "contract," leading to a deeply personal and potentially heartbreaking resolution.
Plot Summary
Natia, a young Georgian woman facing financial difficulties, enters into a contract to become a surrogate mother for a foreign couple. As her pregnancy progresses, the initially clear-cut agreement becomes emotionally complex, forcing her to confront the ethical dilemmas and personal toll of commodified motherhood.
Director's Vision
Ketevan Vashagashvili's vision for 9-Month Contract is to explore the nuanced and often challenging realities of commercial surrogacy, particularly in the context of Georgia, which has become a significant destination for international surrogacy. She aims to present a multi-faceted perspective, avoiding simplistic moral judgments and instead focusing on the human stories involved. Vashagashvili is interested in dissecting the ethical gray areas, the emotional complexities for the surrogate, and the socio-economic factors that drive women into such agreements. Her approach is observational and intimate, designed to immerse the audience in Natia's physical and emotional journey, prompting critical reflection on the intersections of reproductive technology, global inequalities, and the very definition of motherhood.
Themes
Commercial Surrogacy and Ethics: The central theme, exploring the moral, legal, and emotional complexities of paid gestational surrogacy.
Motherhood and Connection: Examining the concept of motherhood beyond biological ties and the emotional bonds that can form during pregnancy.
Economic Disparity and Exploitation: Highlighting how financial need can drive women from developing countries to undertake surrogacy for wealthier foreign clients, raising questions of exploitation.
Bodily Autonomy and Commodification: The commodification of the female body and reproductive labor in the context of commercial agreements.
Identity and Self-Worth: How the act of surrogacy impacts the surrogate's sense of self and identity.
Global Reproductive Tourism: Shedding light on the growing phenomenon of international surrogacy.
Key Success Factors
Timely and Relevant Subject: The film tackles a highly contemporary and ethically charged issue—commercial surrogacy—which is a topic of ongoing debate worldwide.
Provocative Premise: The human drama at the heart of the surrogacy contract offers compelling narrative potential.
Salome Demuria's Performance: As the lead, Demuria's portrayal of Natia's internal struggle is expected to be a key factor in the film's emotional resonance.
Authentic Georgian Perspective: Provides a unique cultural and socio-economic lens on a global phenomenon, given Georgia's prominence in surrogacy.
Festival Recognition: Premiering at a respected festival like Tallinn Black Nights helps to establish its artistic merit and gain international visibility.
Cast
Salome Demuria as Natia
Nino Kobakhidze as Natia's Mother
Ketevan Sharumashvili as Mariam
Andro Chichinadze as Levan
Nini Natelashvili as Elene
Awards and Nominations
9-Month Contract had its World Premiere in the First Feature Competition at the 28th Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival (PÖFF) in November 2024.
While specific award wins beyond its premiere are not yet widely publicized, being selected for a First Feature Competition is a significant mark of recognition for a debut film.
Critics Reception
Critics are beginning to review 9-Month Contract following its festival premiere. Early reviews have generally commended the film for its brave and sensitive exploration of a complex issue, praising Ketevan Vashagashvili's nuanced approach.
Variety: Described it as "an unvarnished dive into the complex world of gestational surrogacy," noting its "sober approach" and "poignant, unshowy performance from lead Salome Demuria."
Cineuropa: Highlighted its "empathetic and ethical approach," stating that it "succeeds in telling the story of Natia and her family, avoiding obvious sensationalism."
Overall Summary of Critics Reception: Critics have praised 9-Month Contract as a sensitive, thoughtful, and ethically complex drama that sheds light on the realities of commercial surrogacy. They commended Ketevan Vashagashvili's nuanced direction and Salome Demuria's lead performance for grounding the film's difficult subject matter.
Reviews
Audience reviews, particularly from its festival screenings, indicate that 9-Month Contract is a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant film. Viewers appreciate its honest portrayal of the challenges faced by surrogate mothers and the ethical questions it raises. Many found it to be a powerful and often heartbreaking exploration of the definition of family and motherhood.
Overall Summary of Reviews: Reviews suggest that 9-Month Contract is a compelling and impactful drama that successfully engages audiences in a critical discussion about modern reproductive technologies and their human implications.
Production
Director: Ketevan Vashagashvili
Writer: Ketevan Vashagashvili
Producers: Vladimer Katcharava (20 Steps Productions), Andrea Hock (KGP Filmproduktion).
Co-producers: Mzia Janashia, David Khubutia
Cinematography: Lasha Khalvashi
Editing: Vessela Martschewski
Music by: Nikakoi
Production Companies: 20 Steps Productions (Georgia), KGP Filmproduktion (Austria)
Production Countries: Georgia, Austria
Language: Georgian, English
Running Time: 95 minutes
Budget: Not publicly disclosed, but supported by various film funds (Georgian National Film Center, Austrian Film Institute, FISAplus, Vienna Film Fund, Land Upper Austria).
Filming Locations: Primarily Tbilisi, Georgia.
Sales Companies
Pluto Film (International Sales)
Cat & Docs
Release Date on Streaming
A specific streaming release date for 9-Month Contract has not been announced. It will likely follow its festival and potential theatrical runs, with digital distribution details to be confirmed.
Theatrical Release
9-Month Contract had its World Premiere in the First Feature Competition at the 28th Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival (PÖFF) in November 2024.
Further theatrical release dates in Georgia and other countries are expected to be announced following its festival run.
Why to Recommend This Movie
Socially Relevant and Timely: It offers a crucial and empathetic look at the complex realities of commercial surrogacy, a growing global phenomenon.
Powerful Lead Performance: Salome Demuria's portrayal of Natia is expected to be deeply moving and a major highlight.
Nuanced Storytelling: The film avoids sensationalism, providing a balanced yet poignant perspective on ethical dilemmas.
Insightful Cultural Context: Offers a unique window into Georgian society and its role in international reproductive tourism.
Award-Winning Debut: As a first feature that premiered in competition at a major festival, it signals the emergence of a significant new directorial voice.
Why to Watch Movie
To Understand Surrogacy Better: For a humanizing and in-depth look at the lives of women who become surrogates.
If You Enjoy Thought-Provoking Dramas: For a film that sparks discussion and challenges preconceived notions about family, motherhood, and ethics.
To Discover New International Cinema: To experience a compelling film from Georgia, a country with a burgeoning film industry.
To Support Female Directors: To see a powerful debut from a female filmmaker tackling a complex social issue.
What Movie Trend Film is Following
9-Month Contract aligns with the trend of "Social Realist Dramas," particularly those that explore contemporary global issues (like reproductive technology, economic inequality, and human rights) through an intimate character-driven narrative. It also contributes to the growing presence of "Female Directors Telling Female Stories" from diverse international perspectives.
What Big Social Trend is Following
The film directly engages with the increasing global social trend of "Reproductive Tourism" and the ethical considerations surrounding "Assisted Reproductive Technologies" (ARTs), particularly commercial surrogacy. It also highlights the persistent issue of "Global Economic Inequality" and its impact on individual choices and bodily autonomy, reflecting broader discussions about labor, human rights, and globalization.
Final Verdict
Ketevan Vashagashvili's 9-Month Contract is a brave, sensitive, and urgently relevant debut feature that navigates the ethically fraught landscape of commercial surrogacy with remarkable empathy and insight. Anchored by a compelling performance from Salome Demuria, the film provides a vital human perspective on a global phenomenon, challenging viewers to consider the complexities of modern motherhood, economic disparity, and bodily autonomy. It's a powerful and necessary watch that sheds light on uncomfortable truths, solidifying Vashagashvili as an important new voice in international cinema.
Recommendations for Filmmakers
Tackle Complex Social Issues with Nuance: Demonstrate how sensitive topics can be explored in a way that avoids sensationalism and promotes thoughtful discussion.
Focus on Human Stories: Emphasize the personal experiences of individuals caught within larger systemic issues to create compelling and empathetic narratives.
Utilize Authentic Locations: Show how filming in relevant cultural and socio-economic contexts can enrich the film's realism and impact.
Recommendations for Movie Industry
Support Debut Filmmakers: Continue to invest in and champion first-time directors, particularly those who bring important social commentaries to the screen.
Promote Diverse Voices: Actively seek out and distribute films from underrepresented regions and perspectives, as they often offer unique and vital storytelling.
Foster Dialogue on Ethical Topics: Recognize the power of cinema to initiate important conversations around complex societal issues and provide platforms for such films.
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