The “SALAM” International Children’s & Youth Film Festival, founded by Nariman Mammadov, will commence its 2024 edition on August 26. The festival, which runs until August 29, will see participation from around 600 schoolchildren hailing from countries including Azerbaijan, Turkey, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Russia, Pakistan, Ukraine, Italy, Germany, Sweden, Poland, Belgium, and Great Britain.

Nariman Mammadov, the founder and CEO, established the festival in 2019 under the auspices of Narimanfilm Film Company, with PASHA Holding as the general sponsor. The festival has grown significantly since its inception, which saw 300 youth participate in its first edition from September 2-5, 2019. The inaugural event was a resounding success, featuring screenings, director and actor meet-and-greets, film discussions, and the showcasing of short videos made by teenagers.

Supported by the Azerbaijan Ministry of Education and Science and the Azerbaijan Ministry of Culture, “SALAM” has carved a unique place in the cultural landscape, receiving positive reviews both locally and internationally. The festival has facilitated the formation of friendly ties between Azerbaijani youth and their peers from various countries, promoting Azerbaijani culture and educating the younger generation in line with global spiritual values.

This year’s edition is expected to make a lasting impression on its participants and enliven Azerbaijan’s cultural scene. The festival program and the list of participating films will be announced later, with updates available on the festival’s website and social media.

The main goal of the festival is to cultivate artistic taste and a deep understanding of cinema among young people by showcasing high-quality professional films. The organizers are optimistic that the festival will continue to foster cultural exchange and artistic appreciation among the youth.

US-AZ Cultural Foundation (USAZCF), a sanctioned 501(c)(3) USA nonprofit entity will take part in the “SALAM” Festival activities.

USAZCF strongly believes that when youth speak, the world listens; connectivity through the film’s lens is one well thought-out path.

USAZCF will help bring American youth to a future “SALAM” Festival. Participating in the SALAM” Festival will connect American and Azerbaijani youth in an approach they have never before explored or experienced.

The upright future of humanity is in well-informed and explorative young.

Website: https://salamfest.az/en

SALAM youth film festival photos.