Azernews.Az

By Nigar Orujova

"Don`t be afraid, I`m with you! 1919", a film by Azerbaijani screenwriter and director Yuliy Gusman, was named the best film of the 14th Russian Comedy Film Festival which was held in the city of Tula on December 15-20.

The composer of the film Polad Bulbuloglu, Azerbaijani Ambassador to Russia, was also honored with a diploma for the music to the film at the final ceremony on December 20.

Bulbuloglu thanked the organizers of the festival, the jury and participants for the high appreciation of their work, on behalf of the filmmakers.

Tula Oblast Governor Vladimir Gruzdev congratulated the festival participants.

The president of the festival, which was held for the third time in Tula, is famous Russian director and scriptwriter Alla Surikova. The competition`s program included 17 films.

Continuation of legend

The film is a joint production by the "Azerbaijanfilm" Studio, named after Jafar Jabbarly, and Russia's "White Media" Movie Company.

The presentation of the film "Don't be Afraid, I'm with You! 1919" was held at the Heydar Aliyev Palace in Baku on November 15.

Made as the sequel to the movie "Don't be Afraid, I'm with You" produced in 1980s, the film's scriptwriter and director is Yuliy Gusman, cameraman Vadim Alisov, artistic directors Rafig Nasirov, Victor Nikonenko, and Tahir Tahirov, producers Mushfig Hatamov, and Timur Weinstein.

Well-known Russian actors such as Lev Durov, Mukhtarbek Kantemirov, Mikhail Yefremov, Edgar Zapashny, Vladimir Dolinskiy, Yuri Kobaladze, and Azerbaijani actors Kristina Gulaliyeva, Eldar Gasymov, Hamida Omarova, Mabud Maharramov, Teymour Badalbeyli, Zaur Shafiyev, Bahram Baghirzadeh, Nuriya Ahmadova, and Rovshan Asgerov appeared in the movie.

The story of the first part of the film released in 1981 developed during the 20th century, when Azerbaijan was a part of the Russian empire. Two circus actors, Rustam and his friend San Sanich, travel to a village where Rustam was born after a long absence, and their adventure starts from there.

The action of the second film takes place 20 years after the events described in the first one in 1919 in Azerbaijan on the background of rapid events associated with the proclamation of the independent Azerbaijan Democratic Republic.

The film features the love story of two young people, Farhad and Shirin that takes place against the backdrop of unrest and general uncertainty. However, an inveterate feud of their parents - Ghafur Bek and Teymur Bek, who are political opponents, block their way.

Teymur, the girl's father, supporters the civilized democratic regime established in Azerbaijan, while Ghafur Bek and his closest associate, a mean-spirited bandit called Abdullah, intend to alter the political situation through a peaceful revolution. Ghafur Bek kidnaps the charming Shirin to distract Teymur's attention.

However, the villains underestimate the power of human friendship and love. Familiar characters of the first film, fearless heroes Rustam and San Sanych, rush to help an old acquaintance, and Farhad himself is determined to rescue his beloved from captivity as well as bring his father to reason.