Closing Ceremony of “AKIDocs – Documentary Film Development and Pitching International Project”
As previously reported, the Azerbaijan Union of Filmmakers announced an open call for applications for AKIDocs – Documentary Film Development and Pitching International Project on April 1, 2025. A total of 11 participants and 4 observers were selected for the program, which took place from April 22 to 29.
The project was mentored by renowned documentary film expert Tue Steen Müller and concluded with participant presentations to a jury comprising AUF Executive Secretary Ali Isa Jabbarov, as well both directors and cinematographers Daniel Guliyev and Oktay Namazov.
Speaking at the project’s closing ceremony, Ali Isa Jabbarov stated:
“While our documentary film traditions have progressed, they still fall short of international standards, and much work remains to be done. We are organizing these events to support the development of creative documentary filmmaking—this is just the first step. More important than choosing a winner is the formation of a documentary film community and the fostering of meaningful relationships. We are especially proud Tue Steen Müller being with us in this project and hope his collaboration with AUF will also continue in the future.”
Tue Steen Müller stated in his blog that: This project enhances the chances of young Azerbaijani filmmakers to be selected for highly competitive international fora. I have had the pleasure to conduct the workshop as a trainer. New and old talents, and I have to say that they have been working hard to improve their pitching skills – many have changed their teasers/ trailers. I hope this workshop initiative by The Azerbaijan Union of Film-makers will be followed by more to strengthen the documentary community in the country. They deserve it.
Based on the jury’s decision, the following projects were selected as the winners of AKIDocs project:
- Filming Support Award – Dado, directed by Azer Allahverdi
- Travel Support Award for an international project abroad– Sky nomads, directed by Aytaj Suleymanova, produced by Elmaddin Suleymanov
- Pre-Production + Teaser Support Award – Untitled, Memory, directed by Nargiz Mammadli, produced by Alemdar Faig
- Post-Production Support Award – Jahan`s alphabet, directed by Eljan Mammadov, produced by Zarif Bakirova
- Logistics Support Award – My Virtual Home, directed by Ulviyya Ahmadova, produced by Nijat Dadashov
- Pre-Production Technical Support Award – Sweet Memories in the Abandoned Village, directed by Aynur Kazimova
The winning projects will receive both financial and organizational support from the Azerbaijan Union of Filmmakers.
aki.az