Rezo Khojelani is a chain-smoking mountain man with a gruff demeanor that belies his artistic talent for restoring ancient frescoes in the medieval churches that dot his highland home of Svaneti in the Great Caucasus. As “Keeper of the Keys” for his clan’s church, a position that has been passed down in his family since the 10th century, Rezo can only hope to give the keys to a worthy successor, when the time comes. For now, Rezo continues his work preserving frescoes and ancient traditions alike, trying to ensure they both endure.
Researched, Filmed and Edited for VOA’s 52 Documentry series that provides intimate portraits of every day characters and documents stories from little known and heard of places, empowering viewers to engage with the world in new ways.
Viewers get an intimate view into the ancient winter rite of Lamproba in Svaneti wherein bonfires are lit across cemeteries to honour the dead and folks gather to drink and chat with the dear departed.
Pearly Jacob 