Azerbaijani animation in French Annecy

Baku12.06.23/Turan:  Azerbaijani animation creators are currently showcasing their work at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival in France, renowned as the world's largest and oldest animation festival. The festival has welcomed 15,640 accredited individuals from 103 countries, according to the organizers.

The festival, which runs from June 11th to 17th, will feature the international premiere of the short animated film "Hadis." This film pays tribute to Hadis Najafi, a 22-year-old Azerbaijani Turk who was tragically killed by Iranian security forces on September 21, 2022. "Hadis" is dedicated to his memory and to all those who struggle against gender, ethnic, and cultural discrimination in Iran. Najafi has become a symbol of Azerbaijani resistance and ethnic struggle in Iran.

It is worth noting that "Hadis" has been selected for the Official Selection of the Annecy International Animation Film Festival. Out of 3,300 films from 112 countries submitted this year, only 71 were chosen for the "Short films" category. This selection is a significant accomplishment for the Azerbaijani film industry.

Directed by Nazrin Aghamaliyeva and produced by Rashid Aghamaliyev, "Hadis" tells the story of a young woman who courageously fights for justice in a symbolic world ruled by crows.

The film is produced by ANIMAFILM Studio with financial and conceptual support from the Azerbaijan Cultural Society of Northern California. The Azerbaijan Animation Association, Akinchi platform, and Skwigly Animation Magazine have provided media support for the film.

Furthermore, young animation director Ulviyya Mammadova is also participating in the Annecy festival. Her attendance is made possible by winning the "Best Azerbaijani Short Animated Film" award at the 5th ANIMAFILM International Animation Festival with her work titled "White Fear." It is noteworthy that the award sponsors are the Embassy of France in Azerbaijan, the French Institute in Azerbaijan, and the Annecy festival.

Looking ahead, the 6th ANIMAFILM Festival will be held in Baku from September 6 to 10, 2023. The festival will focus on the theme of "Women's Rights." The organizing committee encourages animation authors and studios to submit their work for the competition program, with a submission deadline of July 1, 2023. Entries can be submitted in local or international categories, and prizes will be awarded to the winners.