Azerbaijani Cinema-125: Reality, Challenges and Goals

The cinema forum “Azerbaijani Cinema-125: Reality, Challenges and Goals,” organized by the Ministry of Culture and the Heydar Aliyev Center, was held on April 20-21, 2023.

Azerbaijan’s Culture Minister, Adil Karimli, noted that the main purpose of the forum is “to discuss the main challenges and the perspectives of the Azerbaijani film industry.” In his speech, he stressed that “the 2020-2040 development strategy document of Azerbaijani cinema is being prepared. We hope that the ideas and suggestions expressed in this forum will contribute to that strategy.”

Member of the Azerbaijan Animation Association Firangiz Baghirova spoke about the latest achievements of Azerbaijani animation: “Since 2018, we have been organizing the ANIMAFILM International Animation Festival, which since last year has been hosting pitching sessions. The 6th ANIMAFILM Festival’s theme will be “Women’s rights”. Also, our short films are now participating in the Annecy Festival, the world’s largest animation event. It is crucial that our government continues to support these initiatives to ensure the sustainable development of the Azerbaijani animation industry.”

Guillaume de Seille, the producer awarded at the Cannes, Venice, Berlin, and Sundance festivals, and former developer of the film department of the Canal+ TV channel, said during his speech that “We like Azerbaijani films, and today we should learn the ways to convey them to the international society.”

Co-founder of the Azerbaijan Animation Association, Elchin Hami Akhundov, invited Guillaume de Seille to attend the 6th ANIMAFILM Festival.

Sources:

1. The Azerbaijan Animation Association
2. The Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan
3. Apa.az: Minister: 2020-2040 development strategy of Azerbaijani cinema being prepared
4. Apa.az: Famous producer: I think about the history of your country, I want Azerbaijani films to be released to the world

Elçin Hami Axundov