Nizami Cinema Center Hosts Premiere of "Taghiyev: Tsar" Feature Film
-
Loading... - Fleur Braam
- 08 Apr 2025
- 129 Views
- 0 Like
- 0 Comment
On April 4, the Nizami Cinema Center celebrated the premiere of "Taghiyev: Tsar," a feature film dedicated to the life of the renowned philanthropist Haji Zeynalabdin Taghiyev. The event was attended by notable figures, including Arzu Aliyeva, the film's director and executive producer, who is also the President of the Baku Media Center, along with Minister of Culture Adil Karimli, members of the Milli Majlis, and prominent personalities from the fields of science and culture.
Produced by the Baku Media Center with support from the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, the Ministry of Culture, and the Cinema Agency, "Taghiyev: Tsar" is the second installment in a four-part saga that chronicles the life and charitable legacy of Taghiyev. Set against the backdrop of late 19th and early 20th century Azerbaijan, the film captures significant historical events in Baku as the city prepares to welcome the Tsar. It portrays Taghiyev, a wealthy philanthropist, navigating the complexities of his time while facing challenges from the city’s administration.
The first part of the saga, "Taghiyev: Oil," was released in 2024 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Taghiyev’s death. It garnered significant attention, attracting over 70,000 viewers in local cinemas and winning the award for Best Feature Film with Color Correction at the Dehancer Colourist Awards 2024.
"Taghiyev: Tsar" takes viewers on a journey through Taghiyev’s life, from his humble beginnings as the son of a cobbler in Baku to his rise as a wealthy industrialist and a devoted public figure. The narrative delves into his difficult decisions, perseverance, and commitment to improving education and supporting ordinary people. The film highlights his pivotal role in societal development, including founding the first girls’ school in the East and contributing to Baku's oil industry and urban infrastructure.
The production of the film is a landmark achievement in Azerbaijani cinema, involving nearly 2,500 creative professionals and filming across 76 locations. Over 300 sets were constructed, and a dedicated costume workshop created period-accurate outfits and accessories to authentically represent Taghiyev’s era.
Key contributors to the film include producer Orman Aliyev, director Zaur Gasimli, and co-writers Ismayil Iman and Asif Isgandarli. The talented cast features People's Artists Parviz Mammadrzayev and Gurban Ismayilov, along with Honored Artists Rasim Jafar, Elshan Rustamov, and Natavan Hajiyeva in significant historical roles. The project received additional support from Nexsol Holding, Kapital Bank, Bakcell, and Norm companies.
The premiere concluded with a standing ovation from the audience, reflecting the film's impact and the significance of Taghiyev's legacy in Azerbaijani history.
