_Crossing_ doesn’t need to be polished; its power lies in its raw quality. This film presents itself as a narrative centered on vulnerable individuals—orphans, transgender people, and sex workers—but it's ultimately something more. At its heart, _Crossing_ portrays two characters searching for identity. Levan Akin deserves praise for weaving such a layered meaning into a story addressing modern concerns, and executin…

Mzia Arabuli delivers a believable performance within this moving story. She portrays "Lia," a retired schoolteacher set on finding her niece following her sister’s death. Living in Georgia, she believes “Tekla” has gone to Turkey for greater freedom – an existence not easily accepted at home, as Tekla is trans. Despite lacking any Turkish language skills, Lia enlists the help of a local young man named "Achi" (Lucas…