A Night Filled with Nostalgia: A Journey to the Past Through Animated Films

Beneath the soft glow of the cinema lights, an audience gathered not merely to watch but to reconnect—with their past, their culture, and a time when Azerbaijan's animation flourished as a creative force. Hosted by the Azerbaijan Filmmakers Union, the “Animation for Adults” screening brought together a carefully curated selection of films that continue to resonate decades after their creation.

The evening's lineup featured seven gems of Azerbaijani animation: Firangiz Qurbanova’s Seans, Elchin Hami Akhundov’s Güzgü (Mirror), Arif Maharramov’s Qaravelli (Anecdote), Vahid Talibov’s Lağım (The Tunnel) and Arzular... Arzular... (Dreams... Dreams...), Shamil Najafzadeh’s İthaf (Dedication), and Masud Panahi’s Sükutun Pozulması (Breaking the Silence). Each film was a portal to a bygone era, weaving tales rich with metaphor, folklore, and social commentary.

For some filmmakers, the event was uniquely personal: it marked the first time they had seen their works projected on the big screen. The audience’s warm reception filled the hall not only with applause but with a palpable sense of shared memory. Many directors expressed their amazement at the full house, noting that such an enthusiastic response underscored the lasting value of Azerbaijani animation.

“These films are not just products of their time; they are timeless reflections of our culture and values,” said Masud Panahi, whose Breaking the Silence poetically addresses societal challenges. “Seeing this reaction reminds us why we create.”

Each film offered a distinct artistic vision. Seans and Güzgü delved into the human psyche with striking metaphorical narratives, leaving viewers pondering long after the credits rolled. Qaravelli, a modern take on traditional Azerbaijani folktales, provided a whimsical yet profound journey that appealed equally to children and adults.

Vahid Talibov’s contributions, Lağım and Arzular... Arzular..., stood out for their bold experimentation, exploring the tension between personal aspirations and societal expectations. Shamil Najafzadeh’s İthaf was a moving tribute to art and creativity itself, a theme that resonated deeply in a room filled with artists and cinephiles.

Beyond their artistic merit, these films highlighted the depth of Azerbaijani animation as a medium rooted in both technical innovation and cultural richness. They reflect the values, challenges, and aspirations of their creators, capturing the spirit of an era while remaining relevant today.

The evening served as a reminder that animation is not solely for children; it is a versatile art form capable of conveying complex themes. By revisiting these classics, audiences were reminded of the power of storytelling to bridge generations, offering a shared space for reflection and imagination.

As the credits rolled and the lights came on, the air was filled with a renewed appreciation for Azerbaijan’s cinematic heritage. The screening wasn’t just an event; it was an invitation—to look back, to celebrate, and to dream forward.