Zaur Gasimli directed “Tağıyev: Neft” (Taghiyev: Oil), a historical biographical drama he co-wrote with Asif Iskenderli and Ismayil Iman. It is about the life of Zeynalabdin Taghiyev, an industrial magnate and philanthropist born in Baku, Azerbaijan.
Taghiyev owned real estate not only in Baku but also in Moscow, Russia and in different parts of Iran including Bandar-e Anzali, Isfahan, Rasht and Tehran. On September 1, 1924, he died in Mardakan, Azerbaijan.
“Taghiyev: Oil”
Parviz Mamedrzaev plays the title character in “Taghiyev: Oil”. Qurban Ismayilov plays the older version of the character.
Produced by Orman Aliyev, the film was shot in more than 70 locations in 136 days over five years. It is 120 minutes long.
The film features Nurlan Murselzade as Ismayil Taghiyev, Yusif Qasimli as Rajab Ali, Natavan Haciyeva as Zeyneb and Manaf Suleymanov as Abu-Ziyad. Also in the cast are Elshan Rustamov and Rasim Cafarov.
Vladimir Artemyev was the cinematographer of the film, which was edited by Asger Rahimov. Its respective first assistant director, decorator, production designer and costume designer were Asif Isgandarli, Jeyhun Jafarguliev, Sebuhi Atababayev and Vusal Rahim.
On November 4, 2024, the film had its world premiere at the Heydar Aliyev Center in Baku. On November 7, 2024, it hit theaters in Azerbaijan.
Distributed by the Baku Media Center, the film is the first installment of a tetralogy. The second installment is titled “Taghivev: The Tsar” and third one is titled “Taghiyev: Sona“.
Oscars 2026
“Taghiyev: Oil” is Azerbaijan’s entry to the the Best International Feature Film category for the 98th Academy Awards, also known as Oscars 2026. The deadline for submissions is October 1, 2025.
The shortlist of 15 entries to the category will be released on December 16, 2025 and the final nominees will be announced on January 22, 2026. Conan O’Brien will be back as the host of the Oscars 2026 at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, United States on March 15, 2026.
On March 2, 2025, O’Brien hosted the Oscars 2025 at the Dolby Theatre. The Best International Feature Film award was given to “I’m Still Here” of Brazil.
CONAN Daily 