"Old Suitcases" premieres in Türkiye: Powerful tribute to Azerbaijan’s victory and women of war PHOTO

On November 8, a gala premiere of Saida Hagverdiyeva's film "Old Suitcases" took place in Ankara, timed to coincide with Azerbaijan’s Victory Day, commemorating the country's triumph in the 44-day Patriotic War, and the Day of the State Flag, celebrated on November 9.

The film's press service shared the details with local media, per Caliber.Az.

The premiere event, held at Ankara's Central Historical Hall — CSO Ada, was supported by the General Directorate of Fine Arts of the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the Türkiye-Azerbaijan Friendship, Cooperation and Solidarity Foundation, AHİD Association, Altındağ Municipality, Qazi University, the World Union of Women in Türkiye, Çinar Women's Organisation, and other organizations.

Attendees included notable state and public figures, cultural and scientific representatives, creative intellectuals, youth, international organizations, and the film's creative team. In addition to the film screening, the event featured an exhibition of paintings by Turkish artists under the theme "Woman, Peace, Victory," dedicated to Azerbaijan’s victory in the Karabakh war. A minute's silence was observed to honour the memory of the Shehidis (martyrs), followed by the anthems of both Türkiye and Azerbaijan.

"Old Suitcases" was filmed in 2021 and co-produced by RS Production, OYUN Inclusive Theatre, DOST Inclusive Development and Creativity Centre, and Azerbaijan's Ministry of Labour and Social Protection. Having already been shown in Baku, Nakhchivan, and Shamakhi, the film is based on real events that depict the lives and tragedies of women during the first and second Karabakh wars, which spanned almost three decades. These women, victims of Armenian aggression, are portrayed as war heroes: warriors, mothers of Shahids, sisters, wives, doctors, prisoners, and refugees. Despite the harsh psychological conditions and the backdrop of war, the characters remain united by their unshakable belief in victory.

The premiere in Türkiye was met with enthusiastic applause. Speakers praised the film's heartfelt realism, strong character development, and its core message of faith in justice and determination. The film emphasizes the liberation of Karabakh from Armenian occupation, celebrating Azerbaijan’s spirit, unity, and heroic struggle. The historical ties between Azerbaijan and Türkiye were highlighted, with congratulatory messages for Azerbaijan's historic victory.

The film's director, Saida Hagverdiyeva, worked with a talented team, including screenwriter Sevda Soltanova, cinematographer Shahmar Safaroglu, production designer Afshan Asadova, composer Vugar Jamalzade, and editing director Rza Almasi Pegru. The production was overseen by general producer Parvina Ismayilova, with executive producers Kamala Neimatova and Nijat Mammadov. The editing was done by Hamida Rustamova, with Aynura Alekperova and Gular Malik managing the project.

The star-studded cast features People's Artists Mammad Safa and Parvana Gurbanova, Honored Artists Gulzar Gurbanova, Shafag Aliyeva, and Nasiba Eldarova, alongside actors Zemfira Abdulsamadova, Zumrud Gasimova, Ulviya Aliyeva, Zulfiya Gurbanova, Oksana Rasulova, Zulfiya Nazar Mammadova, Rada Nasibova, Zarina Gurbanova, Aygun Fatullayeva, Turkay Jafarli, Konul Gasimova, Samimi Farhad, Agil M. Guliyev, Namig Aghaev, Vugar Hajiyev, Javanshir Maharramov, Rasmiya Nurmammadova, Gizilgul Guliyeva, and others.

In a unique touch, the film also features real participants of the 44-day Patriotic War, servicemen from the Border Troops of the State Border Guard Service, and talented individuals with disabilities, further adding to the authenticity and emotional impact of the film.

By Tamilla Hasanova