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AFG Holiday Reception

Please join American Friends of Georgia for a Holiday Reception and Film Screening.



AFG's Holiday Reception and Film Screening is on Thursday, December 1, from 6-8 and will be hosted by Ani Amiridze Hillman and William Hillman at the beautiful and elegant Affirmation Arts gallery near Hudson Yards. The evening will feature the screening of Children of Nikozi a 30 minute documentary by Georgian filmmaker Nino Benashvili, who will be present at the reception, and by actor, musician, and writer, Donnie Kehr, at the piano. The reception will be catered by Chito Gvrito, a fabulous Georgian restaurant in Gramercy Park. A selection of Georgian wines from the Georgian Wine House and specialty cocktails will be served.



Nino Benashvili’s film Children of Nikozi, is a 30 minute documentary about Metropolitan Isaia’s work with war-affected children in the village of Nikozi and his Nikozi International Animation Film Festival, two programs which American Friends of Georgia helps to support. This universal story of the healing power of the arts is told through the many voices of Nikozi’s villagers, their frequent guests, famous artists, and the festival’s audience. Nino Benashvili is a Georgian filmmaker, currently based in New York City. Her debut, Children of Nikozi, has been included in several festivals and won the Bronze Remi Award at the Houston International Film Festival in 2021. Benashvili will be present at the reception.


Donnie Kehr, an American actor, has originated several roles on Broadway and has appeared in several movies and television productions. Kehr is also a singer-songwriter, musician and producer. He co-founded the band Urgent whose album Cast the First Stone sold over 400,000 copies to reach Billboard’s top 100. Donnie’s voice is featured on two albums, The Who's Tommy and Jersey Boys. He received a Best Director of a Musical nomination at The Midtown International Theatre Festival in 2013. Currently Mr. Kehr is proud to be the Creator and Executive Producer of The Greatest Piano Men.


We would like to thank Ani Amiridze Hillman and William Hillman for hosting the Holiday Reception at their gallery space, Affirmation Arts. Affirmation Arts is a contemporary arts complex dedicated to the success and encouragement of visual and performing arts. The gallery has supported and partnered with many nationally and internationally recognized artists, galleries and museums. At the time of the reception The Blessing Tables, will be on view, a show of new large-scale sculptural tables by artist William T. Hillman in collaboration with architect Maurice Saragoussi.


All proceeds support the work of American Friends of Georgia. Our mission: Leveraging an international spirit of philanthropy, American Friends of Georgia supports the health, education, social welfare and economic security of the Georgian people — particularly its vulnerable populations — and promotes both recognition and preservation of Georgian cultural heritage.


Tickets are $75 in advance and $100 at the door. Reception is open to guests age 21 and over.







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