A nation is known, recognized and distinguished among the world nations by certain characteristic features. The highest and the greatest of these features is culture.

HEYDAR ALIYEV
1709

National Cinema Day Celebrated with Ceremony

The 126th anniversary of cinema in Azerbaijan was celebrated on August 2. This important date dates back to August 2, 1898, when the first films were publicly screened in Baku.

According to the order signed by the national leader Heydar Aliyev on December 18, 2000, August 2 was declared the "National Cinema Day" of Azerbaijan.

On this remarkable day, a solemn event took place at the Nizami Cinema Center under the organization of the Ministry of Culture. At the event, attended by ministry officials, cultural figures, representatives of the film community, and film lovers, guests first explored the history of our cinema through an exhibition at the Nizami Cinema Center.

At the event, which continued in the hall of the Center, the names of the filmmakers awarded by the order of President Ilham Aliyev dated August 1, 2024 were announced  and congratulations were extended.

In her opening speech, Deputy Minister of Culture Saadat Yusifova noted that Azerbaijani cinema, which is celebrating its 126th anniversary, has developed significantly in parallel with world cinema. Over the years, it has experienced various ups and downs and undergone many changes. However, it has always remained faithful to its national traditions, high moral values and love for art: "The development of modern Azerbaijani cinema is closely associated with the national leader Heydar Aliyev. The 1970s are considered the golden era of Azerbaijani cinema. Thanks to the research carried out with the support of Heydar Aliyev, the true age of the history of our cinema was determined and the date of the release of the first film "The Oil Fire in Balakhany", i.e. August 2, 1898, was declared as the Cinema Day. For the past 24 years, by the order of the head of state Heydar Aliyev, August 2 has been celebrated as a professional holiday of cinema workers, known as "National Cinema Day".

The deputy minister emphasized that President Ilham Aliyev, as the successor of this heritage, consistently supports our cinema art. The adoption of the “State Program on the Development of Azerbaijani Cinema for 2008-2018”, the enhancement of the material and technical base of film studios, the construction of a modern building for the Azerbaijan State Film Fund established in 1993, the creation of a Cinema Agency under the Ministry of Culture, and the annual allocation of funds from the President's reserve fund to support state-ordered films and young filmmakers' creativity are clear examples of state support for cinema. Over the past 20 years, more than 100 million funds have been allocated to the development of Azerbaijani cinema, resulting in the production of 1763 art, documentary, animation, and other films.

Chairman of the Union of Cinematographers of Azerbaijan (AKI), People's artist Rasim Balayev and people's artist and film director Ogtay Mirgasimov expressed their satisfaction with the progress made in the development of cinematography in our country and wished the filmmakers success.

Orkhan Fikratoghlu, the Acting Director of the Cinema Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan, spoke about the activities of the organization.

After the speeches, video materials highlighting ARKA's activities and a compilation of jubilarian films were presented. The actors who starred in the jubilarian films spoke and shared their sincere feelings.

Music from the films was performed by People's artists Gulyanag Mammadova and Gulyaz Mammadova, Honored artist Ramil Gasimov, soloists Miralam Miralamov and Elgun Huseynov, as well as the dance ensemble "Mirvari" and the young actors of The Independent Children's Theater "Oyug."

Following that, the winners were presented with the traditional AKI Award in various nominations.

In the evening, the winners of the short feature film script competition "People of the Rear Front," organized by AKI, were announced and awarded.

The Ministry of Culture awarded a group of film workers for their contribution to Azerbaijani culture.

The event concluded with the screening of the short film "Monologue of a Lonely Man."

Directed and written by Emin Efendiyev, the film featured camerawork by Daniel Guliyev and was produced by Sarvar Bayramov. The lead actors were Mahir Dervish and Elshan Asgarov.

NEWS

07.11.2024 09:51
Minister of Culture Meets with the Winners of the Film Project Competition
06.11.2024 17:32
Natural and Cultural Heritage of Azerbaijan
06.11.2024 17:00
Minister of Culture Visits the Academic Musical Theater
06.11.2024 09:15
First-ever ‘Nasimi’ Opera to Debut in Azerbaijan
05.11.2024 09:26
Meeting Held with People's Artist Yalchin Adigozalov at the Ministry of Culture
04.11.2024 12:06
New Events and Presentations Highlight Azerbaijan at Istanbul Fair
04.11.2024 11:25
Meeting Held with Regional Coordinator of Frankfurt International Book Fair in Istanbul
04.11.2024 11:21
Istanbul Hosts Presentation of 'Standing with You, Türkiye' Book, Special Edition of Heja Magazine, and Live Concert
04.11.2024 11:05
Literary Discussions and Book Signings Held at Istanbul Fair with Azerbaijani Writers
04.11.2024 10:48
41st Istanbul Book Fair Opens with Azerbaijan as Guest of Honor
04.11.2024 10:35
Minister of Culture Meets with the Staff of the National Museum of Azerbaijani Literature
01.11.2024 15:59
Round Table Held on UNESCO Creative Cities Network
01.11.2024 12:43
Concert Celebrating Victory Day Held in Cuba
31.10.2024 17:31
Conference Held on COP29 and Culture: Cultural Dimensions of Climate Change
31.10.2024 15:57
Presentation Held on Progress within the 'e-Culture' Digital Management Model
28.10.2024 14:37
Azerbaijan Chosen as the Filming Location of the Year for Indian Directors and Producers
28.10.2024 10:26
Minister of Culture Meets the Staff of the Academic Opera and Ballet Theater
28.10.2024 09:53
Adil Karimli Meets the Staff of the University of Culture and Arts
25.10.2024 15:37
Cultural and Creative Industries Scholarship to Support the First 20 Beneficiaries
23.10.2024 09:31
Cultural Institution in Our Country Acquires 'International' Status for the First Time
18.10.2024 17:11
Music Education Discussed at National Conservatory
18.10.2024 09:02
Extensive Concert Program Presented in Fuzuli
17.10.2024 17:02
Next City Day Held in Fuzuli
16.10.2024 11:31
516-year-old decree of Shah Ismail Khatai Presented
15.10.2024 10:00
Meeting with Circus Experts and Leaders Held at Ministry of Culture
11.10.2024 12:54
Adil Karimli Meets "Yugh" Theater Team
11.10.2024 12:38
Minister of Culture Visits the State Puppet Theater of Azerbaijan
09.10.2024 18:17
Shusha and Aghdam Monuments Added to ICESCO's Tentative List of Islamic World Heritage
09.10.2024 09:17
Islamic World Heritage Committee Holds Its 12th Meeting in Shusha
07.10.2024 22:31
8th DokuBaku International Documentary Film Festival Held as Part of Baku Cinema Breeze
07.10.2024 17:27
International Animation Festival of the Turkic World Takes Place