Azerbaijan cinema – an article about the cinematography of Azerbaijan. In general, since the nucleation film in Azerbaijan about 240 or more full-length 50 short feature films were also more than 1,200 documentaries

Early history
The film industry in Azerbaijan dates back to 1898. In fact, Azerbaijan was among the first countries involved in cinematography. When the Lumière brothers of France premiered their first motion picture footage in Paris on December 28, 1895, little did they know how rapidly it would ignite a new age of photographic documentation. These brothers invented an apparatus, patented in February 1895, which they called the “Cinématographe” (from which the word “cinematography” is derived). It is not surprising that this apparatus soon showed up in Baku – at the turn of the 19th century, this bay town on the Caspian was producing more than 50 percent of the world’s supply of oil. Just like today, the oil industry attracted foreigners eager to invest and to work.

In 1915 the Pirone brothers of Belgium set up a film production laboratory in Baku. They invited film director Boris Svetlov from St. Petersburg (Russia) to work for them and produce The Woman, An Hour before His Death and An Old Story in a New Manner. It was Svetlov who also directed the film entitled In the Kingdom of Oil and Millions which later became so well known. The famous Azerbaijani actor Huseyn Arablinski played Lutfali, the main role in this film.

In 1916 The first version of the operetta “Arshin Mal Alan” was directed by Svetlov. During this era of “silent” film the musical selections were performed by in-house musicians. Two of the women’s roles in the film were played by men. Gulchohra was played by Ahmad Aghdamski and Aunt Jahan was played by Y. Narimanov.

In 1919, during the short-lived Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, a documentary called The Celebration of the Anniversary of Azerbaijani Independence was filmed on Azerbaijan’s independence day, May 28, and premiered in June 1919 at several theatres in Baku.

Soviet period
After the Soviet power was established in 1920, Nariman Narimanov, Chairman of the Revolutionary Committee of Azerbaijan, signed a decree nationalizing Azerbaijan’s cinema. The People’s Education Commissariat, which functioned somewhat like a Ministry, created an art department which included a film section headed by Hanafi Teregulov and Muslim Magomayev, a notable composer and opera singer. In 1922 the government of Azerbaijan decided to create the first cinema factory which became the forerunner of today’s film studio Azerbaijanfilm.

1920s
In 1922, the leadership of the Azerbaijani SSR decided to create the first film factory in the country, which became the predecessor of today’s film studio Azerbaijanfilm. In the following year, the Azerbaijan Photo-Cinema Board (AFKU) was established by special decree of the Council of People’s Commissars, carrying out measures to nationalize and unite photo-cinemas and rental offices of individual entrepreneurs. At AFKU at that time there were such cinemas as “Tejjare”, “Edison”, “Million”, “Rook”, “Medenci” (“Promyslovik”), etc. In 1924 on screens there was a two-part feature film ” The Legend of the Maiden Tower”, Shot by the director V. V. Vallyuzek. The filmmakers used oriental exotics when shooting.

Under the AFCU in 1925, on the initiative of Sh. Mahmudbekov, a studio was organized to train national acting and directing personnel in Azerbaijan. Jafar Jabbarli, M. Mikailov, A. Tairov, etc. were trained in this studio. In order to increase the artistic quality of films and the development of national cadres, well-known filmmakers such as VI Pudovkin, IA Shevchenko, NM Shengelaya, Mikhail Chiaureli, as well as cameramen GM Lemdeg, VR Lemke, AV Galperin, IS Frolov, Ya. M. Feldman, LL Kosmatov, VM Schneider and etc. Jafar Jabbarli, Abbas Mirza Sharifzade and others were involved in filmmaking.

In the years 1926-1930. AFKU was called in “Azgoskino”, In 1930-1933. – “Azarkino”, in 1933 it was renamed into “Azfilm”, in 1934 – in “Azgoskinoprom”, from 1935 to 1940 was called “Azerfilm”, from 1941 to 1959 – “Baku Film Studio”. Finally, since 1961, and to this day, the institution is called the “film studio Azerbaijanfilm named after Jafar Jabbarli “.

In the 1920s, the main theme in the Azerbaijani cinema was the struggle against religious fanaticism, the revolution and freedom of women. In those years, films such as Bismillah (1925, directed by Abbas Mirza Sharifzadeh and A. Valovo), Dom Above the Volcano (1929, directed by Ambartsum Bek-Nazarov), Gadji Gara (1929, directed by Abbas-Mirza Sharifzadeh). The image of the Azerbaijani woman fighting for freedom was reproduced in the film “Sevil” (1929, directed by Ambartsum Bek-Nazarov)

In these years, local and foreign film companies made newsreels and documentaries about urban life, oil fields. The first newsreel “Arrival of the IX Red Army in Baku” was created in 1920. In the same year the newsreel “The First Gurultai (Assembly) of Eastern Nations” was created. In subsequent years, reports were created related to relevant events: along with documentary films such as “The 3rd anniversary of Soviet Azerbaijan ” (1923), “The Fire in Oilfields in Surakhani” (1923), “Funeral of Nariman Narimanov” (1925), Arrival M. Frunze in Baku (1925) and others films were made on scientific topics. In 1925, the director Abbas Mirza Sharifzadehfinished the shooting of the film “Journey to Azerbaijan”, which tells about the cultural and industrial life of the republic. In the 1920s the “Azerbaijan Screen” (4-5 times a year) newsreel was published, introducing spectators to the achievements in the production and cultural life of the republic.

The 1930s. The appearance of sound
In the early 1930s, themes for feature films were taken from modern life. Films were also filmed for historical and revolutionary themes. They include such films as “Latif”, “Ismet”, which were shot respectively in 1930 and 1934 by the director M. Mikailov; “Almaz” (1936) and “The New Horizon” (1940), directed, respectively, by the directors A. Guliyev and G. M. Braginsky. In 1938, the film “Bakyllyar” (“Baku People”) was shot by the director V. Turin. Among the silent films of the 1930s, the feature films “The Way to the East”, directed by A. A. Makovsky in 1934 and “Azerbaijan Art”, are especially prominent.

In 1935, the famous soundtrack by Boris Barnet on ” Azerfilm ” was filmed the first sound film of Azerbaijan ” At the blue sea “. The film featured outstanding Soviet actors Nikolai Kryuchkov and Lev Sverdlin. In general, from 1936 to 1941, more than 10 sound films were shot.

With the advent of sound began to develop and documentary cinema. In 1935, B. V. Pumyansky and V. Yeremeyev, being the director and the author of the script, respectively, made a single-episode documentary chronicle “Glorious Azerbaijan”. It was in this film, synchronously with the performances of the heroes of the essay, the narrative text was first transmitted. Beginning in 1939 under the new name “Ordonosny Azerbaijan” the “Azerbaijan Screen” newsreel began to be published. There were 36 issues a year.

1940s

Military years
In 1940 film directors Mikhail Mikhailov (az) and Vladimir Yeremeyev shot a documentary titled Twentieth Spring (az) on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Soviet government in Azerbaijan. During World War II in 1941 and 1942 short sound movies “The Motherland’s Son” and Bakhtiyar (az) (film director A. Guliyev), which were devoted to heroes of Kamal Gasimov and Bakhtiyar Karimov were shot. In the same years “Sabuhi” reflectin the life and activity of Mirza Fatali Akhundov were created by film director A.I.Bek-Nazarov and Rza Tahmasib. In 1943 film directors G.V.Aleksandrov, R.Tahmasib and M.Mikayilov shot the three-part “One Family” and “The T-9 Submarine”.

These films were devoted to the heroism of sailors in the time of World War II. In 1940s a group of documentary film directors and operators went to the frontline and recorded soldiers’ heroism. Between 1943 and 1945 “For Motherland” (I.Afandiyev), “Care” (A.Guliyev), and “Response to the letter” and “The Caspians” (G.V.Aleksandrov and N.I.Bolshakov) which was devoted Caspian sailors’ heroism were shot. In 1945 film director Husein Seyidzade shot full-length documentary “Country of eternal fires” regarding with the 25th anniversary of establishment of the government of Soviet. In the same year musical comedy “Arshin Mal Alan” by U.Hajibeyov went on screen again. The film directors Rza Tahmasib and Nicolay Leshenko made a brilliant reality comedy keeping national style and sense of humor of Azerbaijan. The film achieved success not only in Azerbaijan and USSR, but in many countries around the world. “Arshin Mal Alan” was fetched the film directors R.Tahmasib and N.Leshenko, composer Uzeyir Hajibeyov, and actors Rashid Behbudov, Leyla Badirbayli, Adila Huseynzade, Munevver Kalantarli and Lutfali Abdullayev an award USSR State Prize in 1946. In post-war years newsreel “Young generation” and “Soviet Azerbaijan”(former name “Order-bear Azerbaijan”) began to be issued.

During the Second World War, films were mostly made on military themes. Thus, the director A. Guliyev was filmed the film novels “Son of the Fatherland” (1941) and “Bakhtiyar” (1942). The films were dedicated to warriors-heroes Kamal Gasymov and Bakhtiyar Kerimov, respectively. And in 1943, the director A. Ivanov was shot dedicated to the heroism of the sailors, shown during the war, the motion picture “Submarine T-9”.

In addition, in 1942 the efforts of the directors AI Bek-Nazarov and Rza Takhmasib published a picture of “Sabuhi”, which was devoted to the life and work of Mirza Fatali Akhundov. In 1943, was composed of three movie stars (directors Grigory Alexandrov, Rza Takhmasib and Mikail Mikailov), connected by a single storyline, ” One Family “.

A group of filmmakers, such as A. Gasanov and cameramen (M. Mustafayev, M. Dadashov, S. Badalov, V. Ye. Eremeev, C. Mamedov, etc.) left the front line from Azerbaijan to these lines. There they made documentary films and went to demonstrate to fighters as special editions. Among the newsreels and film stories reflecting the heroic work of the Azerbaijani people during the war are known “For the Motherland” (1943, directed by A.Hasanov), “Care” (1943, directed by A.Guliyev), “Response Letter” (1944, directed by I.Efendiyev), “Brotherly Aid” (1944, directed by A. Dadashov), etc.

In 1944, the directors GV Aleksandrov and NI Bolshakov produced a full-length documentary film “The Caspian” (“Baku Film Studio” in conjunction with the Moscow studio of documentary films). The film tells about the heroism of the Caspian sailors. And in view of the 25th anniversary of the establishment of Soviet power in Azerbaijan, a full-length documentary film entitled “Country of Eternal Lights” was created (directed by G. Seidzade, 1945).

Post-war years
In 1945, the musical comedy of Uzeir Hajibeyov “Arshin Mal-Alan” was screened again. The directors Rza Takhmasib and N. Leshchenko created a vivid realistic comedy film in which the national flavor and people’s humor was preserved. The film achieved great success both in the territory of the former USSR and in many countries of the world. The State Prize of the USSR for this film in 1946 was awarded to directors Rze Tahmasib and N. Leshchenko, composer Uzeyir Hajibeyov, as well as to actors Rashid Beibutov, Leyla Bedirbeyli, A.Huseynzade, M.Kalantarli and L.Abdullaev. Beginning with this film, the desire for comedy genre intensified in Azerbaijani cinema. So, in 1955, the director T. Tagizade was shot comedy film “Meeting”, and L. Safarov – “Favorite Song” (“Bakhtiyar”), the main role in which was played also by Rashid Beibutov.

In 1947, the director V. Dzigan produced the film “Fatali Khan”, dedicated to the life of Guba’s Khan Fatali. On the screens the film was released only in 1959.

At this time, simultaneously with the magazine “Soviet Azerbaijan”, the “Young Generation” newsreel (4 issues a year) began to appear. From 1945 to 1950, screenwriters such as I.Kasumov, A.Gulubekov, directors Z.Kyazimov, L.Safarov, operatives A.Narimanbekov, T.Akhundov, H.Babayev, composers K.Karayev, T.Guliyev worked on documentary films. and etc.

In 1947, the feature film “Beyond the Araks” was shot (directors I. Efendiyev, E. I. Shub). The film talked about the struggle for the freedom of the Azerbaijani people of Iran in 1945-1946.

1950s
In the early 1950s, the “Baku Film Studio” mostly produced documentary and publicistic films. By the mid-1950s, national cadres of scriptwriters, directors, cameramen and artists had been trained. Most of them studied at the All-Union State Institute of Cinematography. Among them are I.Kasumov, E.Mamedkhanly, I.Tagizade, L.Safarov, G.Seydbeyli, A.Ibragimov, N.Ismayilov, G.Seydzade, Sh.Mahmudbekov, A.Atakishiyev, H.Babayev, A.B. Narimanbekov, T. Akhundov, R. Ojagov, K. Najafzade, J. Azimov, E. Rzaguliyev, N. Zeynalov and others.

The subject of films in these years has significantly expanded. Films devoted to the work and life of workers and collective farmers, representatives of various professions were filmed. In this list, you can add such films as “Not That, This One” (1956, directed by G. Seidzadeh), “Under the Sultry Sun” (1957, directed by L. Safarov), “Black Stones” (1958, directed by A. Guliyev), “Creeping shadows” (1958, directors I.Efendiyev and Sh.Sheikhov), “Her big heart” (1959, directed by A.Ibragimov), “A real friend” (1959, directed by T. Taghizade), “Stepmother” (1958), director G. Ismailov).

In 1957, the “Baku Film Studio” created the painting “Two Guys from One Quarter” (directors A.Ibragimov and I.V. Gurin, operators M.Pilikhin and R.Ojagov, composer H.Garayev), telling about the people’s struggle for freedom and democracy in one of the countries of the East.

In 1958, the film ” On the Far Shores “, dedicated to the partisan Mehdi Huseynzadeh, appeared on the screens and was shot based on the story of the same name by Hasan Seidbeyli and Imran Kasumov ” On the Far Shores “.

Important importance began to be attached to the development of children’s films. A big role in this was played by the director A. Atakishiyev. In 1959 he was filmed the film “The Mystery of a Fortress”.

The color full-length documentary “Soviet Azerbaijan” (directed by M. Dadashov, F. Kiselev), filmed in 1950 and dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the establishment of Soviet power in Azerbaijan, was awarded a special award of the Cannes International Film Festival in 1951. A film directed by S. Mamedov “On the Bay named after SM Kirov” won the Venice Film Festival in 1955.

In the Baku Film Studio, the world-famous director RL Carmen produced the films The Story of the Oil Workers of the Caspian (1953) and The Conquerors of the Sea (1959), which reflected the heroic work and life of marine oil workers. For these films in 1960, the director RL Carmen, the cameramen Ch. Mamedov and S. Ya. Medinsky were awarded the Lenin Prize.

1960s
Since the 1960s, more and more color films have been filmed in Azerbaijan. Filmed in 1960 by the director G. Seyidzade, the feature film “Koroglu”, dedicated to the folk mythical hero of the same name, became the first wide-screen Azerbaijani color film. Motives of the dastan ” Leili and Majnun ” formed the basis of the plot of the film “The Story of Love” (1961, directed by L. Safarov).

The widespread creation of comedy films. Such comedies as “Romeo my neighbor” (1963, directed by Sh. Mahmudbekov), “Where is Ahmed?” (1964, directed by A. Iskenderov), “Ulduz” (1964, directed by A. Guliyev), ” Arshin mal alan ” (1966, directed by T. Tagizade)

An increasing number of young people came to the cinema: script writers Rustam and Maksud Ibrahimbekov, Anar, A. Akhundova, I. Huseynov, V. Samedoglu, R. Fataliev, directors A. Babayev, E. Guliyev, G. Mirgasimov, I. Efendiyev, T. Ismayilov, G. Azimzade, G. Babayev, operators Z.Magerramov, R.Ismayilov, R.Gambarov, V.Kerimov, artists F.Bagirov, R.Ismayilov, actors G.Mamedov, S.Alekperov, G.Turabov, R. Balayev, S. Mamedov and others).

Their cooperation with the older generation led to an increase in the professional level of the Azerbaijani cinema. There were new films that differed in national color and ideological depth. At the center of the film “In this southern city” (1969, directed by E. Guliyev) is the theme of the struggle between the new and the old, the questions of saving humanity from obsolete customs are being considered. In the films made during this period, the main place is occupied by moral and ethical problems, different views on modern life, the formation of the younger generation. Analysis of the characters of people occupy one of the main places in the films of this period. Among them are, for example, the film “The Last Night of Childhood” (1969, directed by A. Babayev).

In some films, the theme of the Second World War was reflected. In 1969, directed by Sh.Mahmudbekov, the film “Bread equally divided” describes the life of the Bakuis in the last years of the war. For this film, Mahmudbekov was awarded the State Prize of the Azerbaijan SSR. Among the films for children can be called “Magic Robe” (1964, directed by A. Atakishiyev).

In the second half of the 1960s, certain changes took place in the style of documentary films. There was no narrative text, there was a poetic mood and a clear installation. These changes are felt in G.Mirgasymov’s films “The Sea” (1965), ” Gobustan ” (1966), “The Voice of Truth”, “Composer Gara Garaev” (1967). G.Mirgasimov himself was awarded the Lenin Komsomol Award in 1967 for these films year, which was also awarded to the director of the film “How Good that Samed Vurgun was in the World ” (1967) Y. Efendiev, the author of the script I. Shykhly, the cameraman Z. Mamedov.

1970s
During these years several films on historical and revolutionary themes were shot. Particular attention deserves the films “The Stars Do not Go Out” (1971, directed by A. Ibragimov) filmed in conjunction with the film studio ” Mosfilm “, telling about the activities of N. Narimanov. In 1970, based on the “Komsomol poem” by Samad Vurgun, the film “Seven sons of mine” (directed by T. Taghizade, who was awarded the Lenin Komsomol Award of Azerbaijan, was dedicated to the 1920s komsomols.) In 1973, together with the Czechoslovakthe film studio “Eminent Wind” was shot by the director E. Guliyev. This was the first Azerbaijani film, filmed in conjunction with a foreign studio. The class struggle in the Azerbaijani villages in the first years of Soviet power is told in the films ” The Last Pass ” (1971, directed by K. Rustambekov), ” Avenger from Ganjabasar ” (“Ghatyr Mamed”, 1974, directed by R. Ojagov).

A number of historical films were shot. The life of the poet Nasimi, who spoke out against social and moral problems, the injustices of the feudal world was shown in the film “Nasimi” (1973, directed by G. Seidbeyli). In 1975, at the 7th All-Union Film Festival, the film was awarded as the best historical film. The film of director T. Tagizada “Dede Gorgud” (1975), based on the folk epic ” Book of my grandfather Korkut “, is especially poetic. In 1979, the film ” Babek ” was shot by the director E. Guliyev. The film was dedicated to the struggle of the people against the Caliphate in the 9th century under the leadership of Babek.

1980s
Films on different topics were filmed during this period. Themes on complex psychological situations are re-discovered in such films as “The Silver Van” (1982), “The Devil in the Eyes” in 1987, directed by G. Mirgasimov, was awarded the Prize of the 21st All-Union Film Festival in 1988, “The Structure of the Moment,” ” Business trip “(1982),” Grandfather of my grandfather’s grandfather “and others. In Vagif Mustafayev’s 1988 film, the satirical film “The Devil” shows the process of deformation of the human character.

Among the historical films shot on revolutionary themes, the film “On the Horses” of 1983 directed by G. Turabov, “Wait for a signal from the sea” by Jeyhun Mirzoyev (1986) is known. In memory of the Hero of the Soviet Union Asi Aslanov in 1985, the director R.Ismaylov made a film “I loved you more than my life.”

1990’s
In 1990-1995, almost all films were shot at the expense of entrepreneurs. Over this period, more than 40 feature films and over 125 documentary films were shot. In those years, such directors as Ayaz Salaev, Vagif Mustafayev, Huseyn Mehdiyev, Yaver Rzayev, Jamil Guliyev, Shahmar Alekperov, Ramiz Azizbayli, scriptwriters Ramiz Rovshan, Orkhan Fikretoglu, Natik Rasulzade, Aydin Dadashev did such films.

After the restoration of independence on October 18, 1991 in Azerbaijan, a new era in the development of culture. In connection with this, and also because of the ongoing war in Karabakh, patriotism in films has become one of the main themes.

The film “The Ring of Happiness” (Azeri Bəxt üzüyü) directed by Ramiz Azizbeyli and producer Sadraddin Dashdamirov was the first film of independent Azerbaijan, answering all the canons of the commercial film.

The film directed by Ayaz Salayev and producer Sadai Ahmadov “Yaras” paved the way for Azerbaijani cinema to the world stage. The painting received the Grand Prix of the Ange Festival (France) and took part in more than 20 International Film Festivals.

Movies
“Murder in the night train” (1990) – director Abdul Makhmudov
“Day of execution” (1990) – director Gyuli Azimzadeh
“Witness” (1990) – director Huseyn Mehdiyev
“Ring of Happiness” (1991) – director Ramiz Azizbayli, producer Sadraddin Dashdamirov
“Gazalkhan” (1991) – director Shahmar Alekperov, producer Huseyn Aga Gasymov
“Outside” (1991) – director Vagif Mustafayev, producer Vagif Asadullayev
“Seven days after the murder” (1991) – director Rasim Odzhagov
” Scream ” (1993) – director Jeyhun Mirzoev
“Faryad” (1993) – studio “Ashkar film” – director Jeyhun Mirzoyev, producer Nazim Abdullayev;
“Takhmina” (1993) – director Rasim Odzhagov, producer Rasul Kuliev
“Stanbull story” (1994) – director Rasim Odzhagov, producer Rasul Kuliev
“Yaras” (1995) – director Ayaz Salayev, producer Sadai Hasanov.

Modern period
At the 42nd International Houston Film Festival, in the nomination “Best Foreign Film”, the film “The 40th Door ” was awarded the Gold Award “Gold Remi Award Foreign”.

The state program for the development of Azerbaijani cinema for 2008-2018 was adopted.

2000s
In 2001, the premiere of the comedy with elements of melodrama production studios Azerbaijanfilm and Vahid- Son. The film was filmed in 1993, but in 1994 it was put on the shelf for unknown reasons, finally, by the decree of the President of Azerbaijan Heydar Aliyev in 2001, the film was published. The cast of the film consisted of such great actors as Nasiba Zeynalova, Siyavush Aslan, Yashar Nuri, Gyunduz Abbasov, as well as actors of the younger generation Bahram Bagirzade, Ilham Gasimov, Ayan Mirgasimova and others.

The black label is a film by Azerbaijani director Vagif Mustafayev, shot in 2003 based on Elmira Akhundova’s book Death of a Polygraphist. A large number of stars of Soviet and Azerbaijani cinema participated in the film. The production director Vagif Mustafayev, in parallel with this film, also shot the film “The National Bomb”.

On June 21, 2004, the premiere of the comedy film “National Bomb” by Azerbaijani director Vagif Mustafayev took place. One of the actors Hasan Mamedov did not live to see the premiere, which died in the process of filming on August 26, 2003. The film “The National Bomb” won the Grand Prix at the First International Film Festival of the CIS countries of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia “New Cinema. XXI Century “in Smolensk (2004), and in the same year” Grand Prix “at the comedy film festival” Smile, Russia “in Veliky Novgorod. At the 15th International Varna Film Festival (Bulgaria, 2007) the “National Bomb” was awarded an academic prize of Sofia University. St. Clement of Ohrid – “Bitter Cup”.
In 2006 at the studio ” Azerbaijanfilm ” they finished the film “Farewell to the South City” directed by Oleg Safaraliev, which was shown at film festivals in Berlin, Montreal, Istanbul, Haifa, Rio de Janeiro. The film was awarded the national cinematographic award of Azerbaijan in 2006 – “Gyzyl Chyrag” (“Golden Lamp”) for the best film. He also received the prize “ARRI” at the 3rd IFF “Eurasia” in Almaty and the audience prize at the 5th Moscow Premiere Festival in 2007

Movies
” Dream ” (2001) – director Oktay Mir-Kasimov
“Haji-Kara” (2002) – director Jahangir Mehtiyev
“The Sorcerer ” (2003) – the director Fikret Aliev
“Melody of space” (2004) – director Huseyn Mehtiyev
” National Bomb ” (2004) – director Vagif Mustafayev
“Where the rivers merge” (2004) – director Nijat Feizullaev
“Hostage” (2006) – director Eldar Kuliev
“Lies” (2006) – director Ramiz Azizbayli
“Farewell to the southern city” (2006) – director Oleg Safaraliev
“We will return” (2007) – director Elkhan Kasimov
“Good morning, my angel!” (2008) – director Oktay Mir-Kasimov
“Fortress” (2008) – director Shamil Nadzhafzadeh

2010th years
In 2012, director Elkhan Jafarov directed the film “Grad” on the theme of the Karabakh war based on the novel of the same name by Agil Abbas, who is also the author of the script. The composer of the film was Polad Bulbul-ogly. Filming took place in Ismayilli and Agdam districts, Baku and other regions. The premiere of the film was held in the Cinema Center ” Nizami ” on August 2, 2012, on the Day of National Cinema of Azerbaijan.

In the same year, director Ramiz Hasanoglu made a film dedicated to the life and work of Mirza Fatali Akhundov, an Azerbaijani scientist, poet and playwright, commissioned by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Azerbaijan with the support of the Azerbaijan Film Festival named after Jafar Jabbarli. The author of the script is the People’s Writer of Azerbaijan Anar. November 28, 2012 in the Film Center “Nizami” in Baku the premiere of the film took place. Part of the shooting took place in Sheki. In general, the film was shot in Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey (Istanbul).

In 2012, Stepniyak, a film by Azerbaijani film director Shamil Aliyev, also appeared. This film participated in many competitions and film festivals.

Was included in the preliminary list of the Oscar Award in 2014 in the nomination “Best film in a foreign language”
In September 2012, took part in the 21st Kinoshock Film Festival in Anapa
In the same year he was included in the program of the VII International Festival ” Eurasia “, held in Almaty
In October 2012 was shown at the 5th International Festival “Didor” in Dushanbe. According to the results of this film festival, the film’s director Shamil Aliyev was awarded a special diploma of the International Jury “For a Fabulous Reality”.
He also entered the main contest program of the 16th International Tallinn Film Festival “Dark Nights” (November 12-28).
December 4, 2012 was demonstrated at the 35th Cairo International Film Festival
In December 2012 took part in the XIII Film Festival in Tbilisi
In March 2013 took part in the XXIV Film Festival in Ankara
In May of the same year – at the Khabarovsk Film Festival ” Golden Knight ”
In October-November 2013 was shown at the 62nd International Film Festival Mannheim – Heidelberg
In November 2013 took part in the IX Kazan International Muslim Film Festival
In January 2014 took part in the XIII Film Festival in Dhaka

In 2012, a short film was produced by director Fariz Ahmedov. Filming of the film was completed in November 2011. The world premiere of the film was held on April 14, 2012 in Dubai. On 14 and 16 April 2012, the film was shown in Dubai as part of the V Film Festival of the Gulf. At the II International Youth Film Festival “Light of Peace” in Yaroslavl, held from 12 to 15 July 2012, the film won the second place in the nomination “Feature Film” and became the winner in the category “Children’s Film” in the category “B” (19-30 years). The film was shown at the VIII Kazan International Muslim Film Festival, which was held from September 5 to 11, 2012. Also within the framework of the VII Batumi International Festivalart-house films, held from 16 to 23 September, this picture was demonstrated. The film was also shown in the framework of the V All-Russia Festival of the author’s short film in Moscow and was awarded a diploma of the festival. As part of the “Mayak” festival on September 27 has been shown in the cinema “Star”, on September 28 – in the cinema “World of Art”, and the display of a picture held in “movie theater on September 29, Art.” October 2012 the film was shown at the Tashkent International Film Forum “Golden Cheetah” in the Palace of Youth Creativity.

In the same year, a military film by the Azerbaijani film director and president of the ANS group of companies Vakhid Mustafayev “Hoxha” was also released. The author of the film idea is the director’s father – Fuad Mustafayev The film is dedicated to the Khojaly massacre. The film tells about the tragic fate of two loving couples in the years of the Karabakh war. “Hoxha” is considered the first film made in the genre of neo-expressionism ], as well as the first full-length film that reflects the entire tragedy of Khojaly. Filming took place from November 2011 to January 2012 in Baku and Sheki. October 7, 2012 the film was shown at the 49th International Film Festival “Golden Orange” in Antalya. On November 29, 2012 the film was demonstrated at the 35th Cairo International Film Festival. The film also took part in the 31st international film festival ” Fajr ” in Iran. On March 31, 2013 the film Hodge was shown in Moscow.

January 27, 2016 premiere of the film ” Ali and Nino “, the producer of which was Leyla Aliyeva. The film is based on the novel of the same name by Kurban Saeed. The film tells about the story of the love of two Bakuis: Muslim Azerbaijani Ali Khan Shirvanshir and Georgian Christian Nino Kipiani. The main roles in the film are performed by well-known actors Maria Valverde (Georgian Nino) and Adam Bakri (Azerbaijani Ali). Filming took place in Azerbaijan, namely in Baku, its ancient part Icheri Sheher, Gobustan and Bibi-Heybat, in the regions of the country – in the unique village of Khinalig and Gedabek, as well as inTurkey.

April 21, 2016 premiere of the dramatic film “Curtain”, the director and screenwriter of which was made by Emil Guliyev. In 2017, the film “The Second Curtain” of the same director was released.

Movies
“Additional impact” (2010) – director Elkhan Jafarov
“Actress” (2011) – director Rovshan Isakh
“The Savior of Mankind” (2011) – director Elkhan Jafarov
” Grad ” (2012) – script writer Agil Abbas, composer Polad Bulbul-ogly, director Elkhan Jafarov)
“Do not die until you get revenge” (2012) – director Oktay Mir-Kasimov
” Ambassador of the Dawn ” (2012) – director Akif Rustamov
” Stepnyak ” (2012) – directed by Shamil Aliyev
“Hodja” (2012) – director Vahid Mustafayev
“The Curtain” (2016) – director Emil Guliyev
“Curtain” (2017) – director Emil Guliyev

Source from Wikipedia