Baku Film Festival Opens with Films from 34 Countries

The opening ceremony of the Baku International Film Festival took place at the Nizami Cinema Center in Baku, marking the start of the five-day event.

The ceremony was attended by officials from Azerbaijan's Ministry of Culture, members of the diplomatic corps, international jury representatives, and cultural and artistic figures, The Caspian Post reports, citing local media.

Fehruz Shamiyev, the Director of the Baku International Film Festival, highlighted the festival’s objectives in his opening address, particularly the promotion of Azerbaijani cinema on the global stage and showcasing local films internationally.

Deputy Minister of Culture, Saadat Yusifova, spoke about the efforts to develop the film industry in Azerbaijan and the important role the festival plays in promoting national cinema.

Festival jury members also shared their thoughts on the significance of Azerbaijani cinema in the international arena and the festival's role in its growth.

This year’s festival will showcase 78 films from 34 countries. For the second consecutive year, a feature film competition has been included. The festival’s program consists of four competitive categories, each judged by an international jury.

Admission to all screenings is free, and the national competition will feature 16 short fiction and documentary films, along with five student works.

The festival’s top award, the Golden Pomegranate, will be presented along with other special awards and diplomas in various categories. As part of its partnership with the British Council, the festival will also host a special screening of BAFTA-nominated short films.

Founded in 2004 by the Young Filmmakers Centre, the Baku International Film Festival (BIFF) celebrates its 16th edition this year. The festival is being held as part of the "Baku Cinema Breeze 25" initiative, organized by Azerbaijan's Ministry of Culture and the Cinema Agency.

The festival will conclude with its closing and awards ceremony on December 9.