The premiere of the documentary film СЛОВО by Azerbaijani-Israeli director held in Tel Aviv 18.9.25

A commemorative event took place at the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Tel Aviv, timed to two important dates in modern Azerbaijani history: the fifth anniversary of the Second Karabakh War and the Day of State Sovereignty. The centerpiece of the gathering was a screening of the documentary film “The Word,” produced by Baku TV, directed by Azerbaijani-Israeli filmmaker Leyli Mageram.

The evening was opened by Aydan Karimli, staff member of the embassy, who emphasized the special significance of September 20 and 27 in Azerbaijan’s history. She recalled the heroism and sacrifices made by the Azerbaijani people during the Second Karabakh War and invited the audience to observe a moment of silence in memory of the fallen.

In his welcoming remarks, Ambassador of Azerbaijan Mukhtar Mammadov told the guests that these dates have been forever enshrined in the country’s history as symbols of mourning and pride:

“September 27 is the day the Second Karabakh War began. We lost more than three thousand people, and it is a day of remembrance and sorrow. But it is also a day of pride, because their lives and blood were not given in vain — for the homeland, for the future, and for the restoration of our sovereignty.”

The ambassador stressed that Azerbaijan did not wage an expansionist war but fought solely for the liberation of its lands, its culture, history, and dignity. He also noted that it was in September 2023 that the anti-terrorist operation was completed, allowing full restoration of sovereignty over the country’s entire territory.
After the formal program, the documentary film “The Word” was presented. The film is dedicated to the life of Baku TV employee and participant in the Patriotic War, Alekber Nasirov.
Although filming took only four days — in Karabakh in December 2023 — post-production was much longer: editing in Israel lasted about five months. The film also includes archival footage of the Karabakh conflict and tragic pages in the history of the Azerbaijani people. The commentary over the archival footage was provided by British TV and radio presenter Paul Ross.
The film has already received international recognition: it won an award at the Accolade Global Film Competition in Los Angeles and became a finalist at Roma Prisma Film Awards in Italy. Its premiere in Azerbaijan was held July 9, 2024, at the Nizami Cinema Center in Baku.
After the screening, director Leyli Mageram addressed the guests. She shared the film’s creation story, noting that the idea emerged spontaneously during Israel’s war with Hamas. That was when she decided to travel to Baku and begin work on the project.
“The film was born from a conversation with my colleague Alekber Nasirov. He shared his war story, and I felt I must tell it. For me, this film is not only about him — it is the story of a whole people’s pain, of memory, and hope for the future. I wanted the audience around the world to feel why Karabakh and Shusha are so important to Azerbaijanis,” she said, emphasizing that her work is primarily addressed to an international audience.
Following her remarks, Ambassador Mukhtar Mammadov spoke again, underscoring that the film carries not only a historical message but also a peace message:
“Peace is not given freely. It has a cost and requires effort to preserve. It is important that future generations know at what price Azerbaijan restored its sovereignty and understand the need to cherish peace and develop the country.”
Honored guests also shared their memories and impressions. Efraim Sneh, a former Knesset member and Israeli minister, recalled that as early as 1993 he was the first Israeli politician to visit Azerbaijan: “Even then I understood that Israel and Azerbaijan are natural allies. We began building relations under President Heydar Aliyev and continued under Ilham Aliyev. Today we see that this foundation played an important role in our shared victory and cooperation.”
Political analyst Roman Gurevich noted the heroism of the fallen:
“This date is inscribed in the blood and heroism in the history of the Azerbaijani people. We celebrate victory and, at the same time, mourn the heroes who gave their lives for the country’s independence and territorial integrity.”
Among those attending were members of the Azerbaijani community in Israel, diplomats from various countries, cultural and civic figures, and long-standing friends of Azerbaijan.
Leyli Mageram’s film, honored by international awards, sounded as a sincere account of war and human destinies. The event itself became a symbol of friendship, unity, and the strengthening of ties between Azerbaijan and Israel.