The feature film 'Tagiyev', created by Baku Media Center, has been watched by more than 200,000 viewers in cinemas across Azerbaijan to date.
All four parts of the cinematic epic — 'Tagiyev: Oil', 'Tagiyev: Tsar', 'Tagiyev: Son', and 'Tagiyev: School' — have won wide audience acclaim and have become among the most sought-after domestic film projects in the country's leading cinemas. According to official statistics published by Azerbaijan's largest cinema chains, the feature film 'Tagiyev' has been recognized as the most-watched Azerbaijani film.
The first part of the four-part project, 'TAGIYEV: OIL', was presented in 2024, the centenary of the death of the prominent Azerbaijani philanthropist and educator Haji Zeynalabdin Tagiyev. The premiere of 'TAGIYEV: SCHOOL' took place in 2026 and was timed to coincide with the 125th anniversary of the opening of the first school for Muslim girls, founded by Tagiyev, which played a crucial role in the development of education and enlightenment in Azerbaijan.
Each part of the film 'TAGIYEV' has become a notable cultural event and has attracted a wide audience in the country's cinemas. Due to consistently high public interest, screenings of the film continue to this day.
The film has also received broad international recognition. Over the years, numerous premieres and special screenings have taken place both in Azerbaijan and abroad.
The film 'Tagiyev: Oil' was submitted by Azerbaijan as the official candidate for the 98th Academy Awards ('Oscar') in the category 'Best International Feature Film'. Additionally, the film was presented in Los Angeles, the world center of the film industry, where Hollywood is located.
In 2026, 'Tagiyev: Oil' was also shown to international audiences in London, at the prestigious Princess Anne Theatre of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA).
At the 'Dede Gorgud' film festival, the lead actor, People's Artist of Azerbaijan Parviz Mamedrzayev, was awarded the main prize in the 'Best Actor' category for his portrayal of Haji Zeynalabdin Tagiyev.
The film has been presented both in Azerbaijan and in a number of foreign countries, where it has received high praise from viewers and earned recognition from international audiences.
Furthermore, the first part of the feature film received high international acclaim, winning the world-renowned Dehancer Colourist Awards 2024 in the category 'Best Feature Film for Color Grading Quality'.
The feature film, created by Baku Media Center, tells the story of key historical events that took place in Baku and the region in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. At the center of the narrative is the life journey of Haji Zeynalabdin Tagiyev, filled with trials and relentless struggle. Each new stage of his life becomes a new challenge, a new responsibility, and a new goal. He faces numerous difficulties but never retreats, and by overcoming trials, he becomes even stronger.
In terms of scale, the production of the film has also become one of the most significant projects in the history of Azerbaijani cinema. Filming took place at 76 different locations, and approximately 2,500 people participated in crowd scenes. More than 300 sets were built to recreate the historical atmosphere. In addition, a special costume workshop was established, where a large number of historical costumes, accessories, jewelry, and unique props were made, allowing the era in which Haji Zeynalabdin Tagiyev lived and worked to be conveyed with maximum authenticity.
The chief producer of the film is Arzu Aliyeva, producer is Orman Aliyev, director is Zaur Gasimly, screenwriters are Ismail Iman, Asif Iskenderli, and Zaur Gasimly, director of photography is Vladimir Artemyev, production designer is Sabuhi Atababayev, costume designer is Vusal Rahim, composer is Etibar Asadli, and film editor is Asker Ragimov.