On August 2, Nizami Cinema Centre hosted the solemn ceremony dedicated to the National Cinema Day and the 120th anniversary of the creation of Azerbaijani cinema.
The press service of the Union of Cinematographers of the Republic of Azerbaijan informs that the video was shown at the ceremony reflecting the events that took place during the year in connection with the Azerbaijani cinema, presentation of films held in the capital and regions, international festivals, movie days, gala premieres, anniversaries and filming processes of new films.
The Minister of Culture Abulfas Garayev speaking at the event congratulated the filmmakers on the professional holiday and noted that according to the decision of the national leader Heydar Aliyev this significant day has been celebrated for 18 years already.
He said that the festive events this year will be remembered by a number of peculiarities. This year the Azerbaijani cinema is 120. On August 2, 1898, the first demonstration of film stories shot in Baku took place. The creation of cinematography in our country began from this moment.
The minister noted that in recent years, Azerbaijani films have conquered the peaks: ‘Having looked at the figures, it is possible to determine which peaks conquered Azerbaijani films, and what novelties they presented to the audience. During the period that passed from the approval of the State Program for the Development of Azerbaijani Cinematography in 2008-2018 by the relevant decree of the head of state, 46 full-length and 50 short feature films, 212 documentaries and 23 cartoons were filmed in Azerbaijan. Today, our youth is educated in this field in educational institutions of such countries as Turkey, Canada and Russia. At the same time, our country participates in film festivals in different countries of the world. During 2014-2017, 26 films took part 219 times at 128 festivals in 48 countries and won 49 awards.
Speaking about the completion of the state program for Azerbaijani cinema this year, the minister said that some of the items of this program were not implemented. Therefore, as a logical continuation of this work, a wide exchange of views with film specialists took place in the ministry. According to the minister, a new conceptual program for the development of the cinema industry was developed: ‘A powerful program was developed to improve the activity of Azerbaijani cinema in the new conditions, attract young generation to this sphere, as well as reach the international level. Perhaps, by addressing to the government, we will try to adopt a new state program, in order not to reduce the rate of development of Azerbaijani cinema in the next decade,’ the minister said.
He added that film workers remembered these days by remarkable events. So, on August 1, the head of state signed a decree on awarding a group of film workers with honorary titles, individual benefits, orders and medals for achievements in the development of Azerbaijani cinematography. Noting the relevant decrees signed by the president, the minister thanked the president on behalf of the film workers.
On the occasion of the significant date, a group of film workers was awarded with the honorary diplomas and prizes of the Ministry of Culture.
The chairman of the Union of Cinematographers of the Republic of Azerbaijan, People’s Artist Shafiga Mammadova noted that leaded by her structure presented awards to the film workers who celebrate anniversaries as well as veterans.
Sh.Mammadova underlined that the awards also apply to several film workers who celebrated the anniversary in 2018. So, four persons were presented cash awards of 350 manats, and eight persons - 250 manats. The People’s Artist, Professor Oktay Mirgasimov was awarded the National Film Award (2000 manats) for his contribution to the Azerbaijani cinema and on the occasion of his 75th anniversary.
This year, the professional holiday of film workers was also remembered by the premiere of the new screen work.
The ceremony demonstrated a documentary about the history and rich development way of the national cinema.
Then, the songs written for Azerbaijani films were performed by famous singers.
