The biographical film Taghiyev, produced by Baku Media Center, has drawn over 200,000 viewers in Azerbaijan, becoming the most-watched national film in the history of the local box office.
Four parts of the epic
The cycle consists of four films: Taghiyev: Oil, Taghiyev: Tsar, Taghiyev: Sona, and Taghiyev: School. The first part was released in 2024, marking the 100th anniversary of the death of Haji Zeynalabdin Taghiyev. The premiere of the final part, Taghiyev: School, took place in 2026 and was timed to coincide with the 125th anniversary of the opening of the first Muslim school for girls.
In connection with National Cinema Day, the CinemaPlus network is holding a "Taghiyev Film Week," during which screenings of all four parts will continue until August 9.
Large-scale production
The project has become one of the largest in the history of Azerbaijani cinema. Filming took place across 76 locations, over 300 special sets were built, and around 2,500 people took part in the crowd scenes. Arzu Aliyeva served as the executive producer of the film, and Zaur Gasimli as the director.
The role of Taghiyev was played by People's Artist of Azerbaijan Perviz Mammadrzayev, who won the award for Best Actor at the Dede Gorgud Film Festival.
International recognition
The first part of the epic (Taghiyev: Oil) was submitted by Azerbaijan for the 98th Academy Awards in the Best International Feature Film category. The picture was also honoured with the Dehancer Colourist Awards 2024 for best colour correction.
In 2026, the film was presented in London, at the Princess Anne Theatre of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA), and earlier special screenings were held in Los Angeles.
Source: report.az