Baku:The premiere of the feature film ’44’, commemorating Azerbaijan’s victory in the 44-day Patriotic War, took place in Baku. Thousands, including 2,500 military personnel, participated in the production over five years.
According to Azeri-Press news agency, the film was showcased at the Heydar Aliyev Center on October 12. It highlights the heroism of Azerbaijani servicemen, national unity, and the struggle for territorial liberation.
Before the screening, a video detailed the film’s production process, followed by a performance of the soundtrack by the Symphony Orchestra of the Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theater and the Azerbaijan State Choir Chapel. The music was accompanied by documentary footage of Azerbaijan’s path to victory.
’44’ is a heroic drama weaving military operations with personal and human stories. The main characters include Rashad Khalilov, Zeynab Ozdemir, and Colonel Ramazan Karimov. It emphasizes the Special Forces’ combat path and the war’s impact on lives.
The film’s production, supported by the Ministry of Culture, the Cinema Agency, and Baku Media Center, involved extensive planning and filming across Azerbaijan. The creative team included 455 permanent members and 198 specialists from various fields, with filming in over 130 locations.
A significant aspect of the film was the recreation of military operations using over 150 pieces of equipment and various munitions. Editing of 112 hours of footage resulted in a 2-hour, 38-minute film.
Specialists from 13 countries contributed to the film’s production, with no artificial intelligence used. Sound and music production involved studios in Poland, the United States, and the United Kingdom, and the premiere featured advanced projection technology.
The film’s artistic director is Anar Alakbarov, with directors Ismayil Safarali and Maksim Smetana. It will be screened in Azerbaijan starting October 15 and is set to participate in international festivals.