Today is National Cinema Day in Azerbaijan, APA reports.
On this occasion, director Ruslan Mollayev has released the official trailer of his latest documentary film, shot on the shores of the Arabian Sea in Ahmedabad and Kerala, India.
Titled "Crystal," the film is produced in a non-fiction (documentary-poetic) style. Rooted in observation and process, this cinematic work symbolically reflects the deep connection between art and life. It explores the transformative power of art in helping individuals understand life events with greater clarity and depth.
India, regarded as one of the cradles of world civilization, serves as an ideal setting for conveying the film’s philosophical messages.
In Crystal, the director also attempts to observe his inner world, his art, and his thoughts from an external perspective. Throughout the film’s structure, “symbols” emerge as key narrative elements. The film foregrounds the idea that “life is essentially composed of signs.” Through careful observation, one can perceive that even the elements of nature—air, water, fire, earth—possess a language of their own.
During the journey, a discovery is made in the library of one of India’s leading architecture and design universities—handwritten notes about the great Azerbaijani poet Nizami Ganjavi. This archival find is made by an Azerbaijani researcher, Afaq Yusifli. It reminds the director of Nizami’s "Seven Beauties" poem, particularly the story of the Indian princess. In the poem, the Indian beauty invites the protagonist to transcend the material world, pursue inner purity, and seek spiritual elevation.
Crystal was filmed during the Alphavirami Film Festival in India, under the auspices of the Azerbaijan Union of Cinematographers. The film is directed, filmed, and edited by Ruslan Mollayev, with Afaq Yusifli serving as producer. It is currently in the post-production stage.
It should be noted that director Ruslan Mollayev is the author of several notable Azerbaijani films, including Brother of the White, Sweet Tea, Ships Meet on the Shore, The Victory of the Word, Rhythm of Victory, Angels of Hell, Krishna Temple, Hero Muxtar Qasimli, The History of One Press Conference, Insight, and others.
