Azernews.Az

By Amina Nazarli

The film "Ali and Nino" was screened at the European Parliament on March 8.

The event was held on the initiative of member of the EP Norica Nicola in cooperation with The Europe-Azerbaijan Society (TEAS), as well as the diplomatic missions of Azerbaijan and Georgia in the European Union.

The event was attended by Azerbaijani Ambassador to the EU Fuad Isgandarov, Georgia's Ambassador to the EU Natalie Sabanadze, Director, TEAS Benelux Mark Verwilghen, as well as representatives of the Azerbaijani Parliament, the Azerbaijani Diaspora in Belgium and well-known social and political figures.

Ali and Nino is a tale of love by an Azerbaijani author, who wrote his world bestseller under the pen name Gurban Said. The epic love story is one of the most original works of twentieth century literature, reflecting Azerbaijan’s fight for independence and love between two young people of different religions.

Since its initial publication in 1937, the acclaimed novel has been translated into 33 languages worldwide with nearly 100 reprints.

Muslim prince Ali and Georgian aristocrat Nino have grown up in the Russian province of Azerbaijan. Their tragic love story sees the outbreak of the First World War and the world's struggle for Baku's oil. Ultimately they must choose to fight for their country's independence or for each other.

The shootings started in February 2015, and continued until June in Baku, the historic part of the Icheri Sheher (Old City) and other parts of the capital, also in Gobustan, Khinalig and other regions.

Starring in the 104-minute movie are Adam Bakri as Ali and María Valverde as Nino. Other actors are Halit Ergenc, Mendy Petinkin, Connie Nielson, Riccardo Skamarchio, Homayon Ershadi, Fakhraddin Manafov, Assaad Bab, Numan Acar and others.

The film's producer is Chris Tike, chief director is BAFTA winner Asif Kapadia. Screenwriter of "Ali and Nino" is a British novelist, screenwriter and film director, Academy Award winner Christopher Hampton.

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Amina Nazarli is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @amina_nazarli

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