The presentation of the feature film "Tagiyev: School" took place

On May 1, the presentation of the feature film "Taghiyev: School" took place at the Heydar Aliyev Center.

As reported by Azertaj, the presentation was attended by the head of the Baku Media Center Arzu Aliyeva, Alena Aliyeva, government officials, cultural figures, and other guests.

Speaking before the screening of the film, film critic, director, and Honored Art Worker Ayaz Salayev noted that this screen work not only reflects the life of a historical figure but also holds special significance in terms of restoring national memory and spiritual values.

"If Haji Zeynalabdin Taghiyev could see today's Azerbaijan, he would probably witness the realization of not only his dreams but perhaps also a future he could not even imagine. Today we live in a period when the ideas of creation, nationalism, and enlightenment, laid down in the era of Taghiyev, find their most vivid expression," he said.

Then the screening of the feature film "Taghiyev: School" took place.

The film is the final — fourth part of the film "Taghiyev," dedicated to the life story of the great philanthropist Haji Zeynalabdin Taghiyev.

The film, produced by the Baku Media Center, addresses important historical events that took place in Baku and the region in the late 19th — early 20th centuries.

Taghiyev's life path goes through struggle. Each new period for him is a new goal, a new responsibility. He faces difficulties but does not retreat, takes blows but becomes stronger. Already in old age, fate prepares yet another trial for him. He makes an important decision, declaring that intellect, education, and knowledge should be accessible to everyone for the sake of a bright future. This decision, made so that subsequent generations would be knowledgeable and literate, ultimately changes not only his own destiny but also the destiny of his nation.

In the film "Taghiyev: School," the events of the opening on October 7, 1901, of the first secular school for girls in the Muslim East in Baku, initiated by the great philanthropist, as well as the difficulties and obstacles he faced at that time, are presented to viewers in an artistic and aesthetic form.

Speaking after the screening, the film's director Zaur Gasimli, People's Artists Parviz Mamadrzayev, Gurban Ismailov, and other members of the creative team shared their thoughts on the idea and the filming process of the screen work.

Gratitude was expressed to the entire creative team that contributed to the creation of the film, headed by the head of the Baku Media Center Arzu Aliyeva. It was noted that the high-level preparation of the project is the result of the joint effort, professionalism, and creative approach of the team. The work of every participant in the filming was particularly emphasized, and they were wished success in their future endeavors.

The first part of the four-part film, which holds great importance in popularizing the history of Azerbaijan and promoting our national values — "Taghiyev: Oil" — was presented in 2024, the year marking the 100th anniversary of the great philanthropist's death. The presentation of the part "Taghiyev: School" coincides with 2026 — the date marking the 125th anniversary of the establishment of the school for girls, which played a tremendous role in the life of our people and created a revival in the sphere of enlightenment and education in Azerbaijan.

Each part of the film "Taghiyev" became a significant cultural event and was able to gather a wide audience, being screened in cinemas across the country.

For reference, the films "Taghiyev: Oil," "Taghiyev: Tsar," and "Taghiyev: Sona" were watched by approximately 200,000 viewers in cinemas throughout the country. Due to public interest, the screening of these films in cinemas continues.

Extensive presentations of the films also took place both domestically and abroad. In addition, the film "Taghiyev: Oil" was selected as the official candidate from our country for the 98th Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Awards ("Oscar") in the "Best International Feature Film" category, and the presentation of the feature film took place in Los Angeles — the center of the U.S. film industry — Hollywood.

Along with this, the first part of the feature film participated in the world-renowned Dehancer Colourist Awards 2024 festival and became the winner in the "Feature Film with Quality Color Correction" nomination.

The filming of the movie also made history in Azerbaijani cinema in terms of its scale. In the filming, which took place at 76 different locations, approximately 2,500 creative individuals participated in crowd scenes. More than 300 set pieces were created for the historical scenes of the film. To fully reflect the historical era in which Taghiyev lived, a special sewing workshop was established, and a large number of costumes, accessories, jewelry, and special props were produced.

The general producer of the film is Arzu Aliyeva, producer — Orman Aliyev, director — Zaur Gasimli, screenwriters — Ismail Iman, Asif Iskenderli, and Zaur Gasimli, cinematographer — Vladimir Artemyev, production designer — Sabukhi Atababayev, costume designer — Vusal Rahim, composer — Etibar Asadli, film editor — Asker Rahimov.

The historical characters in the film were portrayed by a broad creative cast, including People's Artists Parviz Mamadrzayev, Gurban Ismailov, Mammad Safa, Mehr