'Taghiyev' becomes most-watched Azerbaijani film in cinemas

The feature film Taghiyev, produced by the Baku Media Center, has attracted more than 200,000 cinema-goers in Azerbaijan, becoming the country's most-watched domestic film to date.

According to Report, all four installments of the epic film series-Taghiyev: Oil, Taghiyev: The Tsar, Taghiyev: Sona, and Taghiyev: The School-have enjoyed strong audience support and ranked among the most popular local productions in the country's leading cinema chains. According to official statistics published by Azerbaijan's largest cinema networks, Taghiyev is the most-viewed Azerbaijani film ever released in cinemas.

The first installment, Taghiyev: Oil, premiered in 2024 to mark the 100th anniversary of the death of prominent Azerbaijani philanthropist and educator Haji Zeynalabdin Taghiyev. The final installment, Taghiyev: The School, debuted in 2026 to coincide with the 125th anniversary of the opening of the first Muslim girls' school founded by Taghiyev, a landmark institution in Azerbaijan's educational history.

Each installment has become a major cultural event, attracting large audiences across the country. Screenings of the films are continuing due to sustained public interest.

The film series has also received international recognition, with premieres and special screenings held both in Azerbaijan and abroad.

Taghiyev: Oil was selected as Azerbaijan's official submission for the 98th Academy Awards in the Best International Feature Film category. The film was also screened in Los Angeles, the home of Hollywood.

In 2026, Taghiyev: Oil was presented to international audiences in London at the Princess Anne Theatre of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA).

At the Dede Gorgud Film Festival, People's Artist of Azerbaijan Parviz Mammadrzayev received the Best Actor award for his portrayal of Haji Zeynalabdin Taghiyev.

The first installment also won the Dehancer Colourist Awards 2024 in the Best Feature Film Color Grading category.

Produced by the Baku Media Center, the film chronicles key historical events in Baku and the wider region during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, focusing on the life, challenges, and legacy of Haji Zeynalabdin Taghiyev.

The production was one of the largest in the history of Azerbaijani cinema, with filming taking place at 76 locations, involving around 2,500 extras, and featuring more than 300 specially built sets. A dedicated costume workshop also created hundreds of period costumes, accessories, jewelry pieces, and props to authentically recreate the era.

The film's executive producer is Arzu Aliyeva, producer Orman Aliyev, director Zaur Gasimli, screenwriters Ismail Iman, Asif Isgandarli, and Zaur Gasimli, cinematographer Vladimir Artemyev, production designer Sabuhi Atababayev, costume designer Vusal Rahim, composer Etibar Asadli, and editor Asgar Rahimov.

According to Report, the Baku Media Center said the Taghiyev project represents another significant contribution to the development of Azerbaijan's national film industry by bringing the life and legacy of one of the country's most prominent philanthropists and educators to the screen.

To mark Azerbaijan's National Cinema Day, the CinemaPlus chain is currently hosting Taghiyev Film Week, during which all four films will be screened through August 9.