The premier projection in Switzerland of the movie “Ali and Nino”

On the occasion of the 25^th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Swiss Confederation, the Embassy of Azerbaijan to Switzerland organized on 15 March 2017 at Bellevue Palace Hotel in Bern the premier projection in Switzerland of the movie “Ali and Nino”.

In his introductory speech Ambassador Akram Zeynalli informed the audience about Kurban Said, the author of the novel “Ali and Nino”, who was born in Azerbaijan, but had to leave the country for Europe in the aftermath of the Bolshevik occupation. His novel was first published in 1937 in Austria in the German language, was later translated into more than 30 languages, and became a bestseller in many countries. According to the Ambassador, the movie, which is based on this very novel, is very significant as it shows the realities of that period as well as the culture, traditions and national features of the South Caucasian peoples. The movie, which is produced by the Vice-President of Heydar Aliyev Foundation Mrs. Leyla Aliyeva and directed by Oscar-winner Asif Kapadia, relates the story of the rise and fall of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic.

After the projection of the movie, the audience was offered a reception by the Embassy of Azerbaijan. At the reception, the guests had the chance to observe a special stand dedicated to Novruz and to taste various Novruz specialities.

This culture event was attended with huge interest by the audience, which comprised the representatives of the Swiss public and private agencies, Parliament, diplomatic corps as well as the members of the Azerbaijani community.