The path to peace through documentary cinema
How Azerbaijani documentary filmmakers are seeking to stimulate progress on the dialogue about the need for reconciliation in the South Caucasus.
The description of this initiative has been provided by the implementing partner.
About the initiative
This programme of support for documentary filmmakers from Azerbaijan was launched in 2022. Participants seek to use their films to stimulate progress on dialogue about the need for reconciliation in the South Caucasus.
In addition to producing short documentary films, the initiative also involves film showings and public discussions. The team is keen to involve as many people as possible in the peacebuilding process, especially young people.
Results and future initiatives
Over the course of the initiative, five 10-12-minute documentary films were made. They all portray the challenges and achievements of peacebuilding activities in the region, as well as the lives of people affected by the conflict.
During this time over 200 people attended film screenings and took part in public discussions. The team has observed that since the initiative was launched the overall tone of the discussions has begun to change: more and more people are talking about the need to work together to build sustainable peace.
Future plans include holding at least 18 more screenings and public discussions and to widen the geographical reach of these events.
Watch the films created by Azerbaijani filmmakers
‘Crossroads’
Unpacks the story of the ‘Crossroads’ Facebook group, an online moderated platform where Armenians and Azerbaijanis can interact with each other and discuss topics important to them, through the eyes of one of the co-founders.
‘Peace to your home’
This visually powerful film showcases the life of people working in around an Azerbaijani schools close to the contact line.
‘Afterword’
This film delves into the relationship between two veteran peacebuilders Zardush Alizade (Azerbaijan) and the late Georgi Vanyan (Armenia), focusing specifically on the impact Georgi’s life work has had on the the peacebuilding community in both countries.
‘My home is there’
A women revisits her happy childhood in a community where both Armenians and Azerbaijanis lived as neighbours.
“I was displaced for 30 years!”
Protagonist Vafa, describes how she decided to participate in cross-border peacebuilding projects despite being displaced.
Photograph by Gulnar Salimova
