An Azerbaijani Movie Night was held at the House of Cinema as part of the 18. MENAR International Film Festival in Sofia. The event combined the power of cinema as a cultural bridge with a profound historical message related to the remembrance of the tragic but glorious events of 20 January 1990 in Azerbaijan. Two films were screened: a short film dedicated to the anniversary of the tragic events of 20 January, and another entitled “The Lesson”.

Among the participants were the staff of the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Bulgaria, diplomats, members of the Azerbaijani community in Bulgaria, as well as Bulgarian guests.

The organizers of the festival, the Pozor Association, welcomed the guests, emphasizing Azerbaijan’s long-standing presence in the MENAR programme and the sustained interest in films from the country. They expressed special gratitude to the Embassy for its active partnership and noted the significant presence of a young audience, for whom the film carries a strong educational and humanistic message.

In his address, Charge d’Affaires of the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the Republic of Bulgaria Chingiz Garibli welcomed the audience and expressed his appreciation to the festival’s management for the organization of Azerbaijani Movie Night. He emphasized the significance of 20 January as a turning point in Azerbaijan’s struggle for independence. “On that tragic night in 1990, the use of military force was intended to break the will of the Azerbaijani people and silence their aspiration for freedom. Instead, the opposite effect was achieved. The events of 20 January strengthened national unity, awakened a profound historical consciousness, and became a decisive turning point on Azerbaijan’s path to independence. The sacrifice of innocent victims transformed pain into resolve and affirmed the unwavering determination of the people to restore their sovereignty and build an independent state”, he said. Mr. Garibli also highlighted the universal themes of “The Lesson” - kindness, compassion, and the desire for acceptance, which transcend national boundaries and speak the language of shared human values.

A central place in the programme was given to the screening of a short video presentation dedicated to the 36th anniversary of the tragic events known as “Bloody January” - 20 January 1990. The video recalled the significance of this date as a turning point in the struggle of the Azerbaijani people for freedom and independence, when actions by the Soviet army led to the massacre of civilian people in Baku. The message underscored the role of memory as a foundation for national identity and historical justice.

The feature film “The Lesson” (2015) was also screened. The film was specially selected for the festival programme with the active involvement of the Embassy, as part of its consistent efforts to present contemporary Azerbaijani cinema to Bulgarian audiences.

The film tells the story of Khalid - a boy who, despite his sincerity and desire to help others, is often misunderstood and rejected by his classmates. Through his character, the film raises important questions about empathy, tolerance, and moral choice within the school environment.

The 18. MENAR International Film Festival presents more than 50 feature, documentary, and short films from the Middle East, Central Asia, and North Africa. Founded in 2009, the forum has established itself as a platform for cultural dialogue that, through cinema, reveals the richness of traditions and contemporary themes of the Islamic world.

The Azerbaijani Movie Night became not only a cultural event, but also a symbolic gesture of respect for history and a belief in the power of art to connect peoples, preserve memory, and promote understanding between cultures.