Premiere of “Taghiyev: Sona” Held at Nizami Cinema Center in Baku

Baku, The Gulf Observer: On October 3, the Nizami Cinema Center hosted the premiere of the feature film “Taghiyev: Sona”, dedicated to the life of the eminent Azerbaijani philanthropist Haji Zeynalabdin Taghiyev.

The presentation ceremony was attended by Arzu Aliyeva, the film’s executive producer and President of the Baku Media Center, along with government officials and prominent cultural figures.

Produced by the Baku Media Center with the support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, the Ministry of Culture, and the Cinema Agency, the project also received backing from NEQSOL Holding, Kapital Bank, Bakcell, and Norm companies.

“Taghiyev: Sona” is the third installment of the four-part Taghiyev saga, which explores the life and charitable legacy of Haji Zeynalabdin Taghiyev. The film reflects significant historical events in Baku and the region during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The storyline portrays Taghiyev’s later years, when he meets Sona, a young and educated woman whose love brings both challenges and new hope to his life. The film unfolds as a tale of willpower, loyalty, and love, while also continuing the journeys of characters introduced in the earlier installments.

Directed by Zaur Gasimli and written by Ismayil Iman, Asif Isgandarli, and Gasimli, the film features contributions from cinematographer Vladimir Artemyev, artist Sabuhi Atababayev, costume designer Vusal Rahim, and composer Etibar Asadli. Orman Aliyev served as producer.

The cast includes People’s Artists Parviz Mammadrzayev and Gurban Ismayilov, along with Honored Artists Rasim Jafar, Elshan Rustamov, and Natavan Hajiyeva, who bring key historical figures to life.

The premiere received a standing ovation from the audience.

The first part of the saga, “Taghiyev: Oil”, released in 2024 to mark the 100th anniversary of Taghiyev’s death, attracted more than 70,000 viewers in local cinemas and gained international recognition, winning Best Feature Film with Color Correction at the Dehancer Colourist Awards 2024.

Through rich visuals and powerful storytelling, the Taghiyev film series traces the philanthropist’s journey from humble beginnings as the son of a cobbler to his rise as a successful industrialist and public figure committed to social progress. The saga highlights his vital contributions, from establishing the first girls’ school in the East to supporting education, urban development, and the oil industry.

With its scale and historical scope, “Taghiyev: Sona” has become a landmark in Azerbaijani cinema. Nearly 2,500 creative professionals were involved in its production, which included large-scale scenes filmed at 76 locations, over 300 meticulously designed sets, and period-accurate costumes and accessories that authentically captured Taghiyev’s era.