Azerbaijan holds a unique place in cinematic history, being one of the earliest nations to venture into filmmaking. The country’s journey into the film industry began in 1898 with the production of a 30-second silent film capturing the dramatic spectacle of oil fires. While directed by a French filmmaker, the footage was shot on Azerbaijani soil, marking the country’s first recorded contribution to world cinema.
By 1915, Baku had become a hub of cinematic activity, thanks to the efforts of the Belgian Pirone brothers, who established a film production laboratory in the city. Recognizing the potential of the industry, they invited renowned Russian director Boris Svetlov to collaborate with them. The result of this partnership was a silent adaptation of the beloved operetta Arshin Mal Alan. Featuring live musical accompaniment and male actors in female roles, this production laid the groundwork for Azerbaijan’s budding film industry, paving the way for an era of silent cinema that would captivate audiences for years to come.
With the Soviet takeover of Azerbaijan in 1920, the film industry underwent a significant transformation. The Soviet government swiftly nationalized cinema, and in 1923, the Azerbaijan Photo Film Institution (APFI) was established to oversee state-sponsored film production. APFI’s inaugural project, The Maiden Tower Legend, released in 1924, set the stage for a new era of Azerbaijani filmmaking, in which cinema was both an artistic pursuit and a tool for ideological messaging.
The 1940s saw Azerbaijani cinema shift its focus to war propaganda, reflecting the turbulent period of World War II. However, by the 1950s, the themes evolved, concentrating on the struggles of the working class under the Soviet system. Despite this trend, audiences still found moments of joy in lighter productions, such as the 1945 musical rendition of Arshin Mal Alan, which provided an escape from the hardships of daily life.
Following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Azerbaijan embraced its cinematic independence, establishing itself on the global film scene. One of its most significant achievements came in 1991 with the launch of the first Baku International Film Festival, aptly named East-West, which helped bridge Azerbaijani cinema with international audiences. Just a few years later, in 1995, Azerbaijani filmmaker Rustam Ibrahimbeyov achieved global recognition when his film Burnt by the Sun won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film—an achievement widely regarded as one of the most triumphant moments in the history of Azerbaijani cinema.
Today, Azerbaijani cinema continues to evolve, preserving its rich heritage while embracing modern storytelling techniques. With a growing presence on the international stage, the country’s filmmakers remain committed to producing compelling narratives that reflect Azerbaijan’s culture, history, and contemporary realities.