Afula: Azerbaijani director Rufat Asadov has premiered two new films in Israel, titled “The Paths of Our Love” and “My Friend Meir,” APA reports. The first screening of “The Paths of Our Love” was held in Afula, supported by the State Committee on Diaspora Affairs of Azerbaijan and the Afula Municipality. The film narrates the love story between an Ashkenazi Jew of Azerbaijani descent and a Muslim Azerbaijani woman, celebrating the friendship between Israel and Azerbaijan. The central characters, Mikhail and Yegana Salman, are active diaspora members in Israel who have played a significant role in strengthening ties between the two nations.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the subsequent screening occurred on April 2 in Jerusalem, organized by the Jerusalem City Library and the Azerbaijan-Israel International Association. On April 3, Asadov’s second film, “My Friend Meir,” was showcased in Kiryat Byalik, hosted by the Municipality and the “Sholumi” Cultural Center. This film emphasizes the Mountain Jews’ love and loyalty to Azerbaijan, highlighting their preserved traditions, customs, and spiritual values.
The narrative of “My Friend Meir” revolves around Meir Manashirov, a resident of Mj-H?ftoran village in Azerbaijan’s Ismayilli district. Following the screening, Rufat Asadov received an official letter of appreciation from the “Preservation of Mountain Jews’ Cultural and Historical Heritage” Center and the Kiryat Byalik Municipality, recognizing his efforts in cultural preservation.