Who Stands Behind
We are a passionate collective of creatives from diverse artistic backgrounds, united by our shared love for documentary cinema. Our team includes filmmakers, visual artists, writers, and cultural curators, each contributing a unique perspective and creative energy. Together, we are dedicated to curating a festival that highlights powerful storytelling and engages with global issues.
Imam Hasanov
Founder & Festival Director of Programming
Imam is a theatre director and an award-winning filmmaker, known for his documentaries that tackle critical issues in modern society, including children's rights and freedom of choice. A graduate of the Azerbaijan State University of Culture and Arts, he has brought together individuals inspired by the desire to create something new and to challenge outdated stereotypes.
Fakhriyya Mammadova
Web & Graphic Designer
A versatile artist-designer and photographer, known for her distinctive vision. A graduate of the Azerbaijan State Academy of Arts, she is an active member of the Union of Artists of Azerbaijan, the Union of Photographers, and the Association of Creative Women. With a robust portfolio of both local and international exhibitions, Mammadova represented Azerbaijan at the Venice Biennale in 2013. In 2021, she curated the Baku Street Photo Festival, organized by YARAT.
Nabi Karim
Festival Assistant
Nabi was born and raised in Baku but spent much of his adolescence traveling across countries and continents while working as a fashion model. Although trained as an environmental engineer and climate economist, he chose to pursue artistic endeavors. His love for writing led him to the foothills of the Mountain of Philosophy, a peak he couldn't resist climbing. In this journey, he sees himself as a seeker, with falcons, storms, and songs as his companions.
Lana Sokolova
Executive Director & Creative Visionary
A creative in the arts and cultural landscape, whose work as a curator and multidisciplinary designer is deeply rooted in her commitment to a better future. Nine years tenure at YARAT, Azerbaijan’s leading contemporary art organization. she weaves together creativity and purpose in every project she undertakes. Holds a Master's degree in Design and Innovation from IED Madrid, and a Certificate from the Devos Institute of Arts at the University of Maryland (USA).
Lala Alakbarova
Community Relations Executive
A storyteller at heart, with a passion for narrative and the arts, Lala has spent nine years shaping her career in PR and marketing. She successfully spearheaded international projects such as the "Imagine" Euro Tolerance Film Festival. Her passion for film also extends to the film set, where she has served as AD on films like İkinci Planetin Qırmızı Rəngi and the Cannes nominee Sanki Yoxsan. She holds a degree in Digital Marketing Communications from the University of Europe for Applied Sciences.