Baku Media Center Presents Film in London

Why this is here: The film focuses on Haji Zeynalabdin Taghiyev, a philanthropist who founded the first secular school for girls in the Muslim East.

Arzu Aliyeva, President of the Baku Media Center, attended a London screening of “Taghiyev: Oil” on May 15. The film details the life of philanthropist Haji Zeynalabdin Taghiyev. The presentation took place at the Princess Anne Theatre within BAFTA’s central London headquarters.

Producers Orman Aliyev and director Zaur Gasimli also attended, along with ambassadors from Georgia, Türkiye, Uzbekistan, and representatives from several organizations. The Baku Media Center produced the film with support from the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and multiple corporate sponsors.

Azerbaijani Ambassador Elin Suleymanov spoke at the event, noting Taghiyev’s dedication to education and founding a school for girls. The film is the first in a planned series about Taghiyev and Baku’s oil boom. Attendees praised the film’s production quality and depiction of Azerbaijani culture, though future installments remain in development.