Sevil International Women's Documentary Film Festival

Sevil International Women’s Documentary Film Festival is the independent documentary film festival in Azerbaijan, operating since 2020. The Sevilfest is a festival primarily focused on gender issues. Its main objective is to raise awareness of gender-related issues through art and documentary films. Additionally, Sevilfest aims to promote women and queer filmmakers in Azerbaijan, where stereotypes regarding their participation in the industry persist. The festival brings a selection of critically acclaimed films from all around the world to Azerbaijani audiences and encourages public discussions around various gender-based issues. In addition to offering a diverse international line-up, the festival promotes local filmmaking by arranging a short and full-length film competition open to submissions from local and international artists. Moreover, the festival is uniquely organized in three cities simultaneously: Baki, Shaki, Lankaran. The festival is actively working towards creating a safe and inclusive space for women and underrepresented groups, fostering their participation and contribution to the documentary film industry in the country. Through screenings, discussions, and other activities, Sevilfest aims to encourage the improvement and development of the documentary film sector, particularly by supporting and amplifying the voices of marginalized filmmakers.