Leyli Gafarova
CEC Artslink artist fellow and artist in residence with the Department of Gender and Women’s Studies
Organized with collaborator Maryam Kashani
April and October to November 2023

Details:
Thursday, November 9, 2023
5:00pm – 7:00pm
Art & Design Room 331 (408 E Peabody Drive, Champaign)

POST-TRUTH / DOC THEATER LAB
Documentary / 30 min / Azerbaijan / 2023
Director: Leyli Gafarova
Subtitles in English

The film delves into Salaam Theaterlab's exploration of documentary theater techniques in Azerbaijan, a place where censorship and self-censorship hinder artistic expression. Guided by exiled DocTheater Moscow actor Nikolay Mulakov, a diverse group of Baku-based actors, social workers, writers, theater-makers, and enthusiasts immerse themselves in interviews and discussions, focusing on the theme of "post-truth" and the aftermath of war. Their objective was to share these stories with various audiences while ensuring the safety of the performers. As the journey progresses, the film begins to blur the distinctions between interviewers and interviewees, revealing an abstract portrait of contemporary Azerbaijani society.

CEC ArtsLink supports transnational cultural mobility and collaboration, empowering artists and arts leaders to engage communities in dialogue and creative projects for a more equitable, compassionate and sustainable world.  For more information, please visit www.cecartslink.org.