Hilal Baydarov, a highly accomplished and versatile Azerbaijani filmmaker, cinematographer, and editor, first took his first breath in 1987 in the vibrant city of Baku.
Before embarking on a career in the captivating world of filmmaking, Baydarov's exceptional academic abilities shone brightly, as he remarkably won the national championships of mathematics not once, but twice, in the years 2004 and 2005, during his high school years, showcasing his remarkable talent and dedication to his studies.
In the year 2011, he spearheaded the Azerbaijani team at the prestigious informatics olympiad, showcasing his remarkable aptitude and expertise in the realm of computer sciences. This impressive achievement marked a significant milestone in his academic and professional journey, as he went on to attain a master's degree in computer sciences, further solidifying his foundation in the field. Subsequently, he enrolled at the esteemed Sarajevo Film Academy, where he had the privilege of being mentored by the renowned Hungarian filmmaker Béla Tarr, whose guidance and expertise undoubtedly played a crucial role in shaping his artistic vision and cinematic sensibilities.
The illustrious Baydarov embarked on a remarkable journey in the realm of filmmaking, commencing with the premiere of his inaugural feature film, HILLS WITHOUT NAMES, at the prestigious Montreal World Film Festival in 2018. This milestone marked the beginning of a storied career, replete with creative triumphs and accolades.
Biography of Togrul Baydarov
Togrul Baydarov's illustrious career has been marked by the creation of an award-winning trilogy of documentaries, each one set in the culturally rich and storied region of Katech, Azerbaijan.
The first documentary in this critically acclaimed trilogy, "WHEN THE PERSIMMONS GREW", released in 2019, garnered widespread recognition and accolades at the prestigious Sarajevo Film Festival. Specifically, it took home the esteemed Heart of Sarajevo Award for Best Documentary, a testament to Baydarov's exceptional filmmaking skills.
In addition to this impressive honor, "WHEN THE PERSIMMONS GREW" also received the Interreligious Award and Special Jury Mention at the Visions du réel festival, further solidifying Baydarov's reputation as a masterful documentary filmmaker.
The cinematic journey of Baydarov began with the highly anticipated MOTHER AND SON, which made its world premiere in the main competition at the renowned IDFA in 2019.
Not long after, Baydarov's remarkable talent was showcased once more with the unveiling of NAILS IN MY BRAIN at the prestigious Cinema du réel in 2020.
However, it was his sophomore feature film, IN BETWEEN DYING, that truly solidified Baydarov's status as a master filmmaker. This critically acclaimed masterpiece was selected for the main competition at the 77th Venice Film Festival, a testament to its exceptional quality and the high esteem in which it was held by the film community.
