NEWS

The Azerbaijan Culture Ministry has started a partnership with the world's leading streaming entertainment service Netflix.

The streaming service has over 195 million paid memberships in more than 190 countries enjoying TV series, documentaries and feature films across a wide variety of genres and languages.

The statement came from the Culture Ministry at the presentation of the Azerbaijan Filming Commission. 

"We have already started cooperation with the Netflix platform. We believe that this cooperation will fully demonstrate the film potential of Azerbaijan to the world," he said.

Speaking at the event, the Culture Minister Anar Karimov said that the State Filming Commission focuses on promotion of Azerbaijan's film industry at international level. 

He pointed out that Azerbaijan can turn into a renewed film location for foreign filmmakers thanks to the country's historical and cultural monuments and beautiful landscapes. The filming process in Azerbaijan may also contribute to the country's economy and tourism industry.

Director General of Lenfilm Film Studio Fyodor Sherbakov said that the establishment of the Filming Commission in Azerbaijan is a significant event not only for Azerbaijan, but also for Russia.

"We are closely following the progress. The Filming Commission is active across Russia as well as in the central building of St. Petersburg, the Lenfilm film studio. The establishment of the Azerbaijan Filming Commission is a very important  step for integration into the world film industry. The Filming Commission will lead to great changes in the film industry. The changes will primarily affect the structural sphere, which will turn Azerbaijan into a beautiful filming site...," he said. 

Turkish Deputy Culture and Tourism Minister Ahmet Misbah Demircan stressed that cinematography is one of the essential spheres.

He said that a film in itself links books, music and theater. Development of cinematography not only plays a major role in discovering humans and cultural heritage but also helps to promote the culture in the world. 

"Two years ago, we started to make changes in the film industry in Turkey to promote our country. We supported local companies and invited foreign film companies to Turkey to show our culture by presenting Turkish images to the world community," he said.

Ahmet Misbah Demircan emphasized that Azerbaijan after liberating its Karabakh region has messages to share with the world through cinema. He pointed out the Turkish-Azerbaijani partnership in the film industry.

Speaking at the event, Director of Azerbaijan Filming Commission Ilkin Mahammadli informed about the video shot in Karabakh. He said that the video promotes the historical monuments in the liberated Karabakh region.

He noted that the filming.az website launched recently, offers many options, including filming sites.

Azerbaijan and Turkey will further enhance cooperation in the film industry. 

The Azerbaijan Culture Minister Anar Karimov and the Turkish Deputy Culture and Tourism Minister Ahmet Misbah Demircan discussed the production of joint films and series dedicated to Azerbaijan's victory in the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh War. 

Anar Karimov touched upon the meeting of the Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and the Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Shusha and the Shusha Declaration on Allied Relations signed on June 15. 

Ahmet Misbah Demircan stressed that such reciprocal visits made a significant contribution to further deepening cultural ties.

He emphasized that the film industry is one of the important areas of Azerbaijani-Turkish cultural cooperation. Turkish Deputy Culture and Tourism Minister noted that the two countries have a number of interesting themes to enter international arena through cinema.

The sides also exchanged views on holding joint film festivals, cooperation between the public and private film organizations and cinematographers of the two countries.

They also talked about the Turkish-Azerbaijani film "Fulya", a documentary  about Fulya Ozturk, a military reporter of the "CNN-Turk" TV channel which has played a majort role in conveying the truth about the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh War.

The 11 hours video materials, shot by Fulya Ozturk and camera operator, will be used in the project produced by Azerbaijan Film Studio and DADA Film Company.

The filming has started in June at CNN Turk's headquarters in Istanbul and will continue in Ganja, Tartar, Barda, and Fuzuli. Fulya Ozturk arrived in Azerbaijan to participate in the filming. Screenwriter and director of the film is Tahir Tahirovic.

Furthermore, Anar Karimov met with the Cuban Ambassador Alfredo Nieves Portuondo.

During the meeting, the sides discussed holding of joint cultural events and exchanged views on the prospects for further cooperation.

Mr. Alfredo Nieves Portuondo stressed the importance of further strengthening partnership between the two countries.

The meeting continued with a discussion of issues of mutual interest.

Azerbaijan State  Philharmonic Hall will host a virtual summer concert on June 25.

The online concert will be presented to the audience at 18.00 in social networks as part of the "Genjlere destek" (Youth Support) project. The gala concert promises memorable and stunning performances.

Initiated by the Azerbaijan State Philharmonic Hall, "Genjlere destek" project aims at discovering and supporting young talents in Azerbaijan.

The project is headed by the director of the State Philharmonic Hall, People's Artist of Azerbaijan Murad Adigozalzade, project coordinator is Ayla Karimova-Zekeriyye. 

Throughout the 2016-2017 concert season, various interesting programs were held within its framework to mark the 80th anniversary of the State Philharmonic Hall.

In March, the State Philharmonic Hall  presented a virtual concert timed to International Women's Day as part of "Genjlere destek" project.

The event brought together talented violinists Shukufa Rasulova, Humay Hajizadeh, Fidan Musayeva, Khadija Hajili, Elizabeth Kizel, pianists Fatima Aliyeva and Zuleikha Abdullayeva, Sham Rahimova and Zakhra Mammadova (viola), Solmaz Rahimova and Zakhra Mammadova (qanun),  Jalala Ismayilova (cello), Asim Rzayev (clarinet), Yusra Murtuzaliyeva (vocal),Ruzgar Ahmadzade (composer) as well as concertmasters Narmin Rzayeva and Svetlana Akhmedova.

The concert also featured works by Azerbaijani and European composers.The musicians were accompanied by the State Chamber Orchestra.

Another concert has been held in the Old City as part of Simurg Music Festival.

The concert brought together Honored Artists Sahib Pashazade (tar) and Farid Aliyev (tenor), laureates of international competitions Maryam Yusifova, Elmina Hasanova, Emin Ismayilov, Nazrin Aslanli, Yulia Motorina and Saida Tagizade.

The concert featured music pieces by prominent composer Tofig Guliyev, including his music composed for Azerbaijani  films. The gala evening was organized in partnership with Arts Council Azerbaijan.

The organization is the head of the International Arts Council Network operating in different countries around the world. Since 2006, Arts Council Azerbaijan is headed by Dadash Mammadov.

Many projects have been operating under the auspices of the organization, including Art Gazette, Production Studio, Azerbaijan Animation Museum named after Nazim Mammadov, Art School Drawing School, "Under open air" plein air, Art Residence, Youth Network, Nizami Art Fest, etc.

Notably, Simurg Kids Music Festival 2021 aims at identifying all creative abilities of young people. The festival is headed by talented pianist Saida Tagizade.

The previous festival was held only among pianists. This year, the festival's program is more diverse and spectacular as it brings together not only pianists but also musicians and even vocalists.

Simurg Kids Music Festival 2021 has opened with a marvelous open-air concert held in Icherisheher, next to Art Tower Gallery.

A workshop for local artist was also held in Art Tower gallery as part of the festival. 

National artists Eldar Babazade, Roy Hasanova, Nigar Familsoy, Kamilla Muradova, Dadash Mammadov, Saida Tagizade, Nigar Niyazova, Aynura Mustafayeva, Vusal Sharifov, Afag Akbarova and Roza Muradova created stunning art works inspired by various music styles from classical to jazz.

Major events will be held in various cities as part of the festival supported by the Culture Ministry, the Ministry of Education, Icherisheher State Historical and Architectural Reserve, Baku Media Center, Arts Council Azerbaijan (NGO), Pasha Holding and Aqua Vita.

A workshop of Azerbaijani artists is being held in Art Tower gallery in the Old City within Simurg Music Festival.

The workshop brought together talented artists Eldar Babazade, Roy Hasanova, Nigar Familsoy, Kamilla Muradova, Dadash Mammadov, Saida Tagizade, Nigar Niyazova, Aynura Mustafayeva, Vusal Sharifov, Afag Akbarova and Roza Muradova, who created stunning art works inspired by various music styles from classical to jazz.

Next concert will feature soundtracks from Azerbaijani and world-famous films.  

The Russian State Museum of Oriental Art has enriched its collection with new painting.

The art work "Mountain Jews-Farmers" by Israeli artist, a native of Baku city, Rami Meir was included in the museum's collection.

The painting was inspired by a postcard (1930), which showed the lifestyle of Mountain Jews at the beginning of the last century.

Rami Meir praised Azerbaijani culture, where the historical values ​​are multiculturalism and tolerance. He stressed that  Azerbaijani aesthetics exists as a separate phenomenon in art. 

In 2020, Russian State Museum of Oriental Art showcased another art works of the artist.

The exposition "The History of One People - for the Whole World" included 31 fascinating art works that brilliantly reflect the history and culture of Mountain Jews. 

Mountain Jews had settled in the Caucasus more than two thousand years ago. Krasnaya Sloboda (Red village) is home to the country's largest community of Mountain Jews and one of the largest Jewish populations in the former Soviet Union.

This Jewish settlement in Guba has been inhabited by Jews since the 13th century.

While working on the Mountain Jews series, Rami Meir studied the history of his people in detail. He collected a number of historical materials which helped him to recreate traditions, crafts and traditional costumes of Mountain Jews through art.

Rami Meir is an Israeli artist who was born in Azerbaijan. He is also a poet, singer, author of song lyrics.

Meir is the chairman of Russia's Mountain Jewish Union of Artists. His paintings are stored in many private art collections in Russia, the United States and Israel.

Rami Meir creates paintings in various art styles from realism to impressionism. His art works are characterized by unique symbols which never cease to amaze art lovers.

The long-awaited Zhara International Music Festival has started in Moscow.

The festival's fifth edition was planned to be held in Baku but was cancelled amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The opening ceremony took place in Crocus City Hall, bringing together more than 200 pop singers from the CIS countries.

The audience enjoyed the musical performances on two spectacular stages. One of them was specially placed on the balcony of the auditorium.

Emin Agalarov, Egor Creed, Philip Kirkorov, Grigory Leps, Timati, Sergey Lazarev, Ani Lorak, Nikolay Baskov, A'Studio, Vera Brezhneva, Olga Buzova, Burito, Ivanushki International, Alexander Panayotov, Slava, Brandon Stone, Timur Rodriguez and many others performed at the festival`s opening ceremony. 

The evening ended with the traditional anthem, performed by Emin Agalarov, Grigory Leps, Philip Kirkorov, Ani Lorak, Alexander Panayotov, Brandon Stone, Vanya Dmitrienko and Khabib.

However, the next concerts will be held without spectators due to the restrictions introduced in Moscow amid coronavirus pandemic.

The tickets purchased for the event on June 24-25-26-27 can be exchanged for the following events. All tickets are valid for the next festival. For more information, please visit the festival's website and social networks.

Meanwhile, music lovers in Baku have a chance to enjoy the music festival at Sea Breeze resort next summer.

The audience will enjoy five days of a varied concert program with participation of world-famous singers on July 27-31, 2022. Turkish singers will also perform at the festival in Baku. 

The music festival is co-organized by Emin Aghalarov, Russia's Honored Artist Grigory Leps, founder of Russkoye Radio and Zolotoy Grammofon award Sergei Kozhevnikov.

Many famous singers and bands like Chingiz Mustafayev, Monatik, Philipp Kirkorov, A’Studio, Vera Brezhneva, Bosson, Rita Dakota, Dmitry Matatov, Glyuk’oza, Nikolay Baskov, Kristina Orbakaite, Burito, Aleksandr Panayotov, Ani Lorak and others took part in the festival's previous editions. 

The International Mugham Center has signed a memorandum of cooperation with the Yunus Emre Institute.

At a meeting with the head of the Yunus Emre Institute in Baku, Selcuk Karakilic, the director of the International Mugham Center, People's Artist Murad Huseynov spoke about the activities and history of the creation of the Mugham Center.

Murad Huseynov pointed out that the establishment of the International Mugham Center was among the major projects implemented by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation to promote Azerbaijani  culture.

The sides discussed issues of expanding activities and prepared a joint action plan between the International Mugham Center and cultural centers and music schools operating in Turkey.

Selcuk Karakilic noted that the historically established relations of friendship and brotherhood between the two countries are at the highest level. Further implementation of projects promoting this cultural cooperation will be supported by the Yunus Emre Institute.

It was noted that 2021 was declared the Year of Nizami Ganjavi in ​​Azerbaijan and the Year of Yunus Emre in Turkey.

This year also marks the 100th anniversary of the "Istiklal March" of the Turkish Republic, the 750th anniversary of the death of the great Sufi thinker Haji Veli. These significant dates will also be widely celebrated in Turkey and Azerbaijan.

The signing ceremony was followed by performance of mugham singer Elgiz Aliyev, Honored artist Sahib Pashazade (tar) and Togrul Asadullayev (kamancha).

The Mugham Center is currently working on a plan for the development of various cultural events, lectures and online projects aimed at promoting mugham and national music. 

It also is actively expanding international contacts with foreign institutions and cultural organizations.

The International Mugham Center has recently  presented a new play in partnership with the Yunus Emre Institute in Baku. 

The play was staged in honor of the Turkish folk poet Yunus Emre and the Azerbaijani poet and thinker Nizami Ganjavi.

A series of events are being held in Azerbaijan on the occasion of the 880th anniversary of Nizami Ganjavi, and on the occasion of the 700th anniversary of Yunus Emre's death in Turkey. 

Rufiz Guluzade, Nurana Taghiyeva, Janali Janaliyev, Aida Bashirova, Almaz Hasanzade, Sanan Mukhtarov and Adila Aliyeva thrilled the viewers with fascinating performance. 

The music project is headed by Gunay Zebij (Mehdizadeh), a well-known artist in Azerbaijan and Turkey. The director of the play is Hijran Sadigzadeh, sound editor-Ulviya Velizadeh, stage designer-Elman Aliyev.

Meanwhile, the soloists of the International Mugham Center, Honored Artist Ilkin Ahmedov and mugham singer Almakhanum Akhmadli  performed "Turkish Military March" composed by Kazım Karabekir.

The Mugham Center has also signed an agreement with Federal Directorate of Music and Festival Programs ROSCONCERT.

The document was reached within the framework of cooperation between Russia and Azerbaijan in the field of culture and art in 2021–2023. The agreement is aimed at organizing humanitarian and educational projects within the framework of cultural exchange.

In January, the Mugham Center and Polish Baltic Philharmonic signed a memorandum of cooperation.

The sides agreed on holding joint cultural projects and concerts in the post-pandemic period.

Moreover, the Mugham Center has recently signed a memorandum on joint cooperation with Heydar Aliyev Palace.

The document was signed with the aim of developing cooperation and strengthening relations in the field of culture and art, promoting national spiritual values ​​and cultural heritage, preparing new joint projects, holding events, festivals and meetings.

A working group will be created for this purpose. All necessary measures will be taken for implementing joint projects as well as work aimed at the creative development of the younger generation.

Azerbaijani artists have displayed their art works at ASMAR Art pavilion as part of the Art Shopping trade show.

The exhibition brought together talented artists from Azerbaijan Turkey, Georgia and France, who delighted art lovers with stunning paintings at ASMAR Art pavilion in Paris.

Irfan Sultanova, Leyla Aliyeva, Nigar Ibrahimova, Rena Amrahova, Aysel Mirgasimova showcased vibrant canvases, while Narmina Bakus introduced the audience to the history of Icherisheher (Old City) in Baku.

Nihad Aliyev presented at the exposition the painting "The Arrival of Charles de Gaulle in Baku (in 1944)", while Ali Seyran- cubism paintings.

Margarita Kearimova-Sokolova pleased art lovers with expressive paintings.

The visitors were also surprised by the creativity of very young artists, students of the "Colorful sensation" Art Studio taught by Narmina Veliyeva, students of  Leyla Aliyeva - Susan Isayeva and Zakhid Alakparli, as well as the smallest participant in the project - Endzo Kalpaliyev.

Azerbaijan has sent an appeal to UNESCO in connection within "Peace4Culture" global campaign, aimed at informing the world community about the situation in the Azerbaijani lands liberated from the Armenian occupation, including destroyed infrastructure and cultural genocide.

In his speech, Azerbaijan Culture Minister Anar Karimov stressed that "Peace4Culture" global campaign focuses on studying the role of peace in the development of culture and the protection of cultural heritage.

The campaign invites diplomats, media representatives, scientists as well as political,cultural and public figures from different countries and international organizations to the Azerbaijan`s liberated territories to voice calls for peace.

Anar Karimov also touched upon the Baku Process initiative launched by President Ilham Aliyev in 2008 and the World Forum for Intercultural Dialogue initiated by the UN General Assembly in 2010.

He stressed that the UN Secretary-General highlighted the Baku Process and referred to the World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue as one of the UN's main global platforms for intercultural and interreligious dialogue.

In this regard, "Peace4Culture" campaign reaffirms the importance of promoting peace in order to preserve culture and calls on the world to take ownership of its cultural diversity and ensure its security in a time.

High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) Miguel Ángel Moratinos shared his views on the global campaign "Peace4Culture".

The UNAOC High Representative said that it is necessary to work together to maintain peace and security in the world. 

In his speech, Miguel Ángel Moratinos pointed out that the world is facing a pandemic crisis and its economic consequences. He called out the world community to search for new ways to respond to today's realities and challenges.

UNAOC High Representative spoke about his visit to Aghdam and Fuzuli, liberated from the Armenian occupation. He stressed that nothing was left in these territories. 

"I have met with President Ilham Aliyev after Azerbaijan liberated its territories. I witnessed feelings of hope, dignity and joy. We had a constructive discussion and dialogue with the President of Azerbaijan. He said a new page had been opened in the country's history. I believe that a new page and future is ahead for your people," he said. 

The event was followed by video messages from  Chair of Intercultural Relations and a founding Director of the Centre for Trust, Peace, and Social Relations at Coventry University, professor Mike Hardy and ICESCO Director General Dr. Salim M. AlMalik.

The head of the Baku Main Culture Department Jalil Melikov has arrived in Ukraine to discuss cultural ties between the countries.

Melikov expressed gratitude for the opportunity created to get acquainted with the cultural sites in  Kiev. He also stressed the mutually beneficial aspects of these meetings in terms of exchange of experience and future cooperation.

Jalil Melikov underlined that the fraternal and friendly relations between Azerbaijan and Ukraine have clearly manifested themselves during the 44-day Patriotic War.

Deputy Chairman of the Kiev City State Administration Valentin Mondrievsky said that many initiatives have been already implemented within the cooperation agreement between Baku and Kiev signed in 1997.

Today's meeting sets the stage for exploring the potential for cultural and artistic cooperation between twin cities and identifying new directions.

The representatives of the delegation also met with the deputies of the Kiev City Council, visited the Kiev Municipal Music Academy, the Academy of Variety and Circus Arts, the Kiev City School of Arts No. 2, the History Museum,  the Central Children's Library, House of Culture "Darnitsa", Samad Vurgun Public Library, Kyiv Pechersk Lavra and the Ukrainian Folk Decorative Art Museum.

Azerbaijani delegation also visited the cultural institutions in Odessa, including the children's library of the Central City Library, the Central City Library, the Emil Gilels Music School, the Odessa Theater School and the Children's Art School No. 1.

The delegation also took part in the opening of the House of Azerbaijan. Addressing the event, Jalil Melikov praised the cultural ties between Azerbaijan and Ukraine.

During a visit to Emil Gilels Music School, the delegation was informed about international virtual festivals and conferences which are open to young talents from Baku.

Jalil Melikov also got acquainted with the teaching process in the Odessa Theater School and the Art School No. 1.