A film by Swedish photographer and director Mikael Silkeberg, titled “History of Folk Jazz from West to East,” was screened at the Filmstaden Sergel cinema.
The event, organized by the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Sweden, brought together members of diplomatic missions accredited in Sweden, members of the Azerbaijani community, as well as Swedes interested in Azerbaijan’s music and culture.
Addressing the event, Azerbaijani Ambassador to Sweden Zaur Ahmadov congratulated the participants on the 5th anniversary of the glorious Victory in the Patriotic War, achieved at the cost of the lives and blood of brave Azerbaijani soldiers under the leadership of the Victorious Commander-in-Chief, President Ilham Aliyev.
As part of the event, a video was screened highlighting the ongoing large-scale construction and reconstruction efforts carried out in the Karabakh region over the past five years.
Addressing the event, the Swedish documentarian, expressing his admiration for Azerbaijan, underlined that the rich legacy of the country has not yet been widely presented or popularized in Scandinavian countries.
According to Silkeberg, Azerbaijani culture, which has ancient roots, also possesses creative energy and a drive toward the future. The director paid special attention to Azerbaijani music, emphasizing the deep connection between mugham and jazz. He noted that the free spirit of mugham and the energy of jazz improvisation are very close to each other, and that Azerbaijani jazz combines Eastern sensuality with Western technique.
This vision is reflected in his new film. According to the director, the project represents an attempt to establish a dialogue between cultures through music.
“Jazz erases boundaries. Azerbaijani jazz, while remaining faithful to its roots, is a new genre in music. For me, it is the meeting point of East and West,” said Silkeberg, thanking the guests for attending the event.
The film “History of Folk Jazz from West to East,” presented to the guests, draws parallels between the eminent Swedish jazzman Jan Johansson and the founder of Azerbaijani jazz Vagif Mustafazade.
The film features reflections shared by followers of Vagif Mustafazade’s musical school — Isfar Sarabski, Elchin Shirinov, Emil Afrasiyab, Shahin Novrasli, and Etibar Asadli — on the master’s rich legacy and the uniqueness of Azerbaijani jazz.
Interviews with the children of great jazzmen who have continued their fathers’ paths — Anders and Jens Johansson, as well as Aziza Mustafazade — were also featured.
The film was warmly received by the audience, who praised both its high artistic quality and the deep cultural message it conveyed.
