Sevil International Women’s Documentary Film Festival is the independent documentary film festival in Azerbaijan, operating since 2020.
The Sevilfest is a festival primarily focused on gender issues. Its main objective is to raise awareness of gender-related issues through art and documentary films. Additionally, Sevilfest aims to promote women and queer filmmakers in Azerbaijan, where stereotypes regarding their participation in the industry persist.
The festival brings a selection of critically acclaimed films from all around the world to Azerbaijani audiences and encourages public discussions around various gender-based issues. In addition to offering a diverse international line-up, the festival promotes local filmmaking by arranging a short and full-length film competition open to submissions from local and international artists. Moreover, the festival is uniquely organized in three cities simultaneously: Baki, Shaki, Lankaran.
The festival is actively working towards creating a safe and inclusive space for women and underrepresented groups, fostering their participation and contribution to the documentary film industry in the country. Through screenings, discussions, and other activities, Sevilfest aims to encourage the improvement and development of the documentary film sector, particularly by supporting and amplifying the voices of marginalized filmmakers.
The festival is named by the play of Jafar Jabbarli called Sevil which focused on the theme of the role of women, their oppression, struggle, and ultimately, victory over dated patriarchal tradition in 1928. After watching the play many women discarded their veils in Azerbaijan back in the time. Therefore, our name symbolically refuses the patriarchal traditions and encourages society to be open to different perspectives.
The project includes regional development and raising activity.
INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION:
Best International Short Documentary
LOCAL COMPETITION:
Best Local Short Documentary
Awards:
The Jury members select the winners in 3 categories.
* Best International Short Documentary;
* Best Local Documentary;
In addition, there is an “Audience Award”. This award is chosen by the audience via voting.
III Sevil IWDFF does not intend to establish cash prizes. The Organizing Committee and founders retain a right to change this decision during the festival. Furthermore, the Organizing Committee may provide the right to sponsors to establish their own awards. Winners are announced by the Jury or Organizing Committee at the Closing Ceremony.