The Heydar Aliyev Center has hosted a press conference on a film that will be made based on the novel “Ali and Nino”, bearing the same name. The press conference was attended by Vice President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, the film’s executive producer Leyla Aliyeva, director Asif Kapadia, screenwriter Christopher Hampton, performing the role Ali, Adam Bakri, the role Nino Maria Valverde and others.
Leyla Aliyeva said she is pleased with the film being made based on the novel “Ali and Nino”:
“I have read through the novel “Ali and Nino” several times. And the excitement I had when I first read it is still lingering on my mind. Written in the early 20th century, this book clearly portrays the Azerbaijani people and places of that time, reanimating a love story that still has a resonance, after 100 years. I’m very happy that the film will be shot in the places depicted in the book – in the streets of Baku, in Icherisheher, at the Opera and Ballet Theatre, in Gobustan, in the Mountains of Khinaliq. I’m pleased to greet these talented actors and crew in Baku. With their help, I believe we will be able to reanimate this unforgettable story,” she said.
Leyla Aliyeva noted that the film will emphasize the importance of struggling for our country, and the same time, viewers will be watching a love story: “Why this particular book? I think this book first and foremost reflects the importance of Azerbaijan’s independence. The second reason is, without doubt, that it’s a magnificent, epic love story”.
Film director Asif Kapadia said in a statement that he will do all he can for the film to be a success among Azerbaijani and world viewers: “We’re all working for this project to be successful. There is a wonderful love story in it. Moreover, successful actors and talented crew have been chosen. Considering the imposing locale and sight too, we can speak of upcoming success”.
Adam Bakri, Ali in the film, said he has begun learning the Azerbaijani language: “We’ve been here for a couple of months. I think it’s going to be very hard for us to leave the country at the end of the project. We’re already acclimatized with this country. I have begun learning the Azerbaijani language”.
Maria Valverde, Nino in the film, said she believes the film will be loved by everyone once it is screened: “I read the book, and I liked it very much. I hope this film will be loved by a double number of viewers after screening”.
Note that, the novel Ali and Nino, by Gurban Said, is considered to be one of the original works of the 20th century. First published in German in 1937, the novel has been translated into 33 languages, and issued more than 100 times.
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