I am thrilled to announce the return of the Salam International Youth Film Festival for its second edition! It brings me immense joy to see the festival making a comeback.
I am heartened by the anticipation displayed by numerous young individuals who were eagerly awaiting our festival, yearning to be a part of this cinematic celebration. This year, we've witnessed an impressive participation count of 350 enthusiastic individuals. Our returning participants from the previous festival are delighted to share their cherished memories with the newcomers, creating lasting impressions that will endure throughout their lives.
I take great pride in proclaiming that the Salam International Youth Film Festival has now evolved into a distinguished brand. Its inception was centered around enriching the experiences of Azerbaijani teenagers and their global counterparts. Our goal was to provide an unforgettable platform, one that not only exposes them to remarkable films but also encourages the cultivation of their creative potential. Additionally, the festival fosters cultural exchange, friendship building, and the dissolution of borders between nations. It also offers a wonderful opportunity for teenagers to acquaint themselves with the rich culture of Azerbaijan, a hospitable and vibrant country. I express my deep gratitude to the Ministry of Culture f the Republic of Azerbaijan, our invaluable main sponsor "Pasha Holding" and all our other esteemed partners for their support in this inspiring journey.
Hello, dear “Salam” participants! It is truly wonderful to reunite with you after a four-year break, to witness the sparkle of enthusiasm in your eyes, and to listen to your speeches brimming with self-confidence. We’ve missed you immensely, and from the discussions that occured before the Festival, it’s evident that you haven’t forgotten about us either.
It’s a tremendous honor to learn that the “Salam” International Teen Film Festival continues to be cherished by our youth. Knowing that the inaugural edition of the Festival has already left wonderful memories for teenagers and parents alike warms our hearts. This realization validates that the relentless efforts of our team have borne fruit. The fact that the majority of volunteers for “Salam” BYFF-2023 are former participants of the first festival is yet another testament to this. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to them for standing by our side. Thank you for kindling the fire of confidence within us, motivating us on to attain new heights. We are committed to upholding your faith in us: we have curated an array of recent films showcased at famous festivals for screening at our event, and we’ve introduced fresh interactive workshops into the program. I am optimistic that the second edition of “Salam” will captivate hearts. Each day of the Festival promises to be brimming with remarkable moments, rekindling the creative spirit within the hearts
of our teenagers.
It brings me immense joy to be a part of this year’s exceptional team for the Salam International Youth Film Festival. The first festival left a profound mark on me, leaving behind countless cherished memories and a lot of inspiration drawn from its participants. I eagerly await the opportunity to immerse myself in that very same atmosphere once more.
I am grateful for the trust placed in me, allowing me to contribute to the shaping of the festival’s program. With heartfelt deliberation, we have chosen films that are not only talented and innovative but also representative of diverse cultures and histories from around the world. It is our aspiration that our festival’s participants engage deeply with the realm of cinematic art, uniting around captivating narratives and sharing their own cultural stories during this event. Through this experience, we hope that participants will experience the cultural richness of Azerbaijan, and share their love for their own countries and friendship that knows no bounds.
