Jihlava: On October 27, the world premiere of director Matlab Mukhtarov’s short documentary film “Palaces of Memory” took place, as reported by APA. The premiere was held at the esteemed Ji.hlava International Documentary Film Festival in Jihlava, Czech Republic.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, “Palaces of Memory” garnered significant interest from both audiences and film critics. Matlab Mukhtarov shared insights into the filmmaking process and engaged with the audience during a Q and A session following the screening.
The documentary, produced by “Rental Azerbaijan” and overseen by producer Emil Najafli, is a recipient of the 2024 competition supporting film projects at the post-production stage, organized by the Azerbaijan Film Agency (ARKA). The film explores Mukhtarov’s personal journey through the streets of Sumgayit, his birthplace, in search of his ‘first memory.’ This journey is intertwined with personal and national histories, touching on memories of his father and grandmother, and reflecting on the collective traumas of Azerbaijanis following the collapse of the USSR in the early 1990s.
Matlab Mukhtarov’s previous work, ’12/35,’ also received international attention, having been screened at various festivals. The Ji.hlava International Documentary Film Festival, established in 1997, is recognized as one of the leading festivals in the documentary film sphere globally.