The film is set to be featured in the International Competition of the film festival.
Qaragh, a thriller short film helmed by Azerbaijani-British filmmaker and curator Suad Gara, is gearing up for its world premiere at the Baku International Short Film Festival’s 14th edition, which commenced on November 10 and concluding on the 15.
Scheduled for screening in the International Competition, the film will be screened in the presence of its director, who will offer the audience an opportunity to engage with her in an open discussion after the screening.
Qaragh delves into the story of an ex-soldier suffering from PTSD who decides to visit his mother in his remote home village to find some peace of mind. There, he participates in a mystical spring cleansing ritual set around a temple inside a 13th-century cemetery in the middle of the forest, where he encounters a mysterious little girl. This innocent alter-ego brings him face to face with his inner demons and sets him on a difficult path to acceptance and redemption.
With MAD Solutions handling worldwide distribution, the film boasts an ensemble cast, including Orkhan Iskandarli — who is a frequent collaborator of the nominated Azerbaijani director Hilal Baydarov — Suri Huseyn, Rivka Khripunova, as well as non-professionals from the village community.
Astar Productions, the film’s production company, has brought Gara’s artistic vision to life, ensuring that every element of the production reflects the highest standards of craftsmanship and creativity.
Gara is currently working on her debut feature, Hotel Diana, which was selected for the WEMW Trieste Co-Production Forum — where it won the Pop-Up Film Residency Award — and the Less Is More European development lab.
