In Azerbaijani television and cinemas, feature films and series from many countries around the world are shown. But do foreigners also watch Azerbaijani films? Are Azerbaijani feature films shown on foreign countries' TVs and cinemas? Has Azerbaijani cinema integrated into world cinema?
Ali Isa Jabbarov, secretary of the Azerbaijani Cinematographers' Union and film director, in an explanation to Medianews.az, emphasized that the integration of Azerbaijani cinema into world cinema is a very relevant issue: “By integration, first of all, it is about participating in international film festivals and showing Azerbaijani films in cinemas of foreign countries. Participation in festivals is very important. The Cinematographers' Union is implementing the 'Kinoseyyah' program. Within this program, we support the trips of our cinematographers abroad. The Film Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan also carries out the same work. But unfortunately, the relevant authorities do not have conceptual activities in this area.
Azerbaijani cinema days should be held abroad. As new films are made in our country, foreign audiences should also be introduced to these films. For screening in cinemas, commercial interest of distribution companies worldwide must exist. We cannot force them to show our films. However, within the framework of Azerbaijani cinema days, we can organize non-commercial presentations and film ceremonies. Funds should be allocated for this work as well. The Cinematographers' Union would also like to participate in such works and show its support.”
According to Ali Isa Jabbarov, the last time Azerbaijani cinema days were held was in February 2022 at the “Illuzion” cinema in Moscow within a project jointly with the Ministry of Culture of Azerbaijan: “At that time, 19 screen works filmed at various periods in Azerbaijan were shown in “Illuzion” over several days. It was a very interesting and resonant event. It was widely covered in the press. The same step should be taken in France, Italy, Germany, and other countries as well. Azerbaijani cinematographers individually represent our cinema worldwide. But fundamental promotion requires special cinema days. There are options that incur high costs as well as low-budget variants.”
Ali Isa Jabbarov believes that there should be thematic diversity at cinema days and screen works on different subjects should be presented: “It is important to attract the attention of world cinema experts. For example, we have created the Kinoyazar.az website, which also has an English version. Anyone wishing to obtain information about Azerbaijani cinema anywhere in the world can gather information here in English. If the topic is interesting, they can also watch the film itself. Therefore, conceptual work must be done in this area. If the quality of films is not good, world cinema will not be interested in us. The quality of films, thematic diversity and the director’s style must be skillfully constructed for the world to be interested in us.”
Stating that every work needs promotion, Ali Isa Jabbarov emphasized once again that there is no conceptual approach to promoting our cinema: “Azerbaijani cinema days should be included in the list of cultural events organized abroad, and our films should be shown in world capitals. Our music is luckier in this area. More funds are allocated to it. Azerbaijani music is occasionally heard in European concert halls and on TV channels. Indeed, our music is at world level. But if our cinema receives more attention, promotion, and support, it can find a place in the European cinema family to some extent. We need promotional events in this regard.
I can say that private producers are taking initial steps in the film market. For example, currently the “Kinobiz” company under the leadership of Ramil Alakbarov participates in the film market in the United Arab Emirates. Several Azerbaijani films have been put up for sale there. Relevant bodies should also support such initiatives. For example, support should be provided for their trips as well. Active participation in the film market helps Azerbaijani films reach the world.”
Director, screenwriter, and producer Valeh Ahmadov told Medianews.az that there are several examples of our films being broadcast abroad: “Of course, these are great successes. But for the process to become an established industry, other works must be done; this is also a process that requires more time. I think systematic works are already being done in this direction. Both in the Ministry of Culture and in the Film Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan, there are good plans aimed at the future.”
According to Valeh Ahmadov, one of the most important issues for showing Azerbaijani films abroad is quality dubbing: “Attention is being paid to this work as well. We have many talented directors, screenwriters, actors, and other artists who meet world standards. Considering the work done, I can say that soon Azerbaijani films will truly appear on the world stage. First in the nearby geography, then the field will expand. Many of our films have been successful at festivals. But as I emphasized earlier, it takes time for the process to become industrialized. That time is not far away.”
Regarding series, important work is being done in television, including the “Space” TV where I work. In the future, our series will be broadcast in other regions as well. Serious work is underway in this regard. Within 4-5 years, we will see our films and series on the world stage. Even in the coming months, there are screen works that have a chance to be broadcast abroad within a year or two. I do not want to provide extensive information about this now, but concrete work is being done. What we want is to write understandable and comprehensible stories worldwide, make films, and produce series.”
Nailə Qasimova,
Medianews.az
Note: This article was prepared on the topic “Promotion of the History of Statehood, National Customs and Traditions, Science, and Culture of Azerbaijan” in accordance with the conditions of the competition and with financial support from the Azerbaijan Republic Media Development Agency.
