The President (2014 film)

The President is a 2014 Georgian-French drama film directed by Mohsen Makhmalbaf. The film follows a deposed president of a fictional Caucasian country, portrayed by Mikheil Gomiashvili, who is forced to flee with his young grandson after a coup d'état. Disguised as a street musician, the former president embarks on a journey through his ravaged and resentful country, encountering the ordinary people he once ruled and slowly coming to terms with the consequences of his authoritarian rule.

The film explores themes of political corruption, abuse of power, and the relationship between a leader and the led. It is notable for its use of allegory and symbolism to critique dictatorial regimes and the human cost of political upheaval. The grandson's naive perspective offers a contrasting view to the harsh realities they encounter, highlighting the cycle of violence and the potential for future generations to repeat the mistakes of the past. The President received generally positive reviews for its compelling narrative and its insightful commentary on political and social issues.