— About

Team

Aygun Rashidova

Director/Founder

Aygun Rashidova is a journalist, cultural manager, and founder of SevilFest — the first women's documentary film festival in Azerbaijan. With a background in journalism and over seven years of experience in international media projects, she has been actively supporting emerging filmmakers and promoting stories focused on women and social issues. Aygun is passionate about storytelling, feminist cinema, and creating platforms for underrepresented voices. She holds a BA and MA in journalism and is currently exploring new directions in screenwriting and media production.

Nazrin Asgarova

Operations Manager

Nazrin Asgarova joined the SevilFest team in 2022 as a Guest Relations Manager and now serves as a Project Manager, playing a key role in the festival’s development and outreach. With a background in marketing management and advertising, she also works as an Account & Project Manager at local and global advertising agencies. Beyond her work in the corporate sector, Nazrin is deeply engaged in civil society initiatives. Through SevilFest, she actively contributes to promoting gender equality, amplifying marginalized voices, and creating spaces for critical discussions on social issues. Her dedication to cultural and social activism helps expand SevilFest’s impact, promoting community engagement and meaningful dialogue.

Durna Safarova

International Relations Manager

Durna Safarova manages the international relations of “SevilFest” and is also the curator of its special program, “Best of Fests.” With extensive experience in media and filmmaking, Safarova began her career as a journalist during her university years. Her articles and research have been published in various local and international media outlets. She later expanded her focus to film production, distribution, and curation, producing numerous short films and collaborating with leading documentary sales agencies. As a film producer, Durna has worked on projects that have premiered at international festivals such as Annecy, Ji.hlava, Visions du Réel, and Sarajevo. Durna holds an MA in Film Studies from University College London (as a Chevening Scholar) and an MA in Film and Television from Istanbul Bilgi University. She is an alumna of Talents Sarajevo, Ji.hlava Academy, and the East-West Talent Lab.

Vadil Sadigov

Venue Coordinator

Vadil joined the SevilFest team in 2023 as the Venue Coordinator. With nearly a decade of experience in the hospitality industry, Vadil has refined his expertise in cafes and restaurants. His journey has taken him to various countries, including Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Montenegro. In Baku, he played a significant role as a business partner in renowned establishments such as W-space, Le Château Bar, and Perron. Over the last five years, Vadil has been instrumental in curating menus for bars and restaurants located in proximity to the Fairmont Hotel in Baku.

Zivar Alizada

Event Manager

I joined SevilFest in 2025 as an Event Manager, where I work on planning and coordinating festival events, as well as managing key organizational processes. For me, SevilFest is more than just a festival. It is a space where different stories, people, and ideas come together to create meaningful value. It is also a place where I continue to learn, grow, and feel like an important part of the team. Beyond the festival, I work on designing, monitoring, and evaluating socio-economic development projects. I am also the co-founder of the Azerbaijan Evaluation Initiative, established to promote the effective use and development of monitoring and evaluation practices in Azerbaijan. Outside of work, I love nature and music festivals. At home, I have seven cats who, thankfully, get along well with one another.

Huseyn Yunisov

Technical Coordinator

My name is Huseyn Yunisov. I joined SevilFest in 2025 as a Technical Coordinator, where I am responsible for coordinating the festival’s technical operations. For me, SevilFest is a unique space that brings together different people, ideas, and communities to learn, connect, and share. Being part of the festival has given me valuable experience in teamwork, quick decision-making, and managing the behind-the-scenes aspects of large-scale events. It has also introduced me to many inspiring and interesting people. Outside of the festival, I work at a book café and am also involved in environmental education projects. I do not have much free time, but when I do, a bit of solitude and silence is usually enough for me. I also enjoy researching topics related to environmentalism and eco-activism. One film I believe everyone should watch is Federico Fellini’s Orchestra Rehearsal. In my opinion, it offers a unique and thought-provoking perspective on the relationship between the individual, the collective, and chaos.

Adila Aghayeva

Digital Content & Community Specialist

I'm Adila Agayeva, I joined SevilFest in 2025 as a Social Media Manager and Content Creator. Currently, I create content for the festival’s website and contribute to its media and communications work. For me, SevilFest is a place where I have found my own voice while also learning how to listen to and amplify the voices of others. The festival has not only introduced me to wonderful friends and inspiring colleagues, but has also given me the opportunity to connect with talented filmmakers and become part of a change that truly matters to me. Outside of SevilFest, I work in media, photography, cultural documentation, and civil society projects. I have participated in international seminars and initiatives focused on journalism, filmmaking, and cultural representation. One documentary I would recommend to everyone is News from Home by Chantal Akerman. A fun fact about me: I share my life with two German Shepherds and three cats.

Bashir Gasimov

Head of Volunteers

Hi, I'm Bashir. I joined the festival in 2024 as the Volunteer Coordinator and continue to serve in this role today. For me, SevilFest is a community that brings together people who are committed to making a positive contribution to society. In this sense, I can say that the greatest value the festival has brought into my life is the people I have met here and the creative work they do. Outside of the festival, I mainly work in the fields of innovation and entrepreneurship, particularly in education. Both within SevilFest and beyond, I continuously work with young people and strive to support their growth and development. I enjoy traveling, watching football, and playing table tennis.

Aytaj Huseynli

Guest Relations Coordinator

I am Aytaj and I joined SevilFest in 2025 as Guest Coordinator. For me, SevilFest is a special space where creative, open-minded people who aim to create positive change come together, sharing meaningful and enjoyable conversations. One of the most important aspects of any work process for me is its ability to create real value in the end. Being part of SevilFest makes me feel not only like I am contributing to a project, but also creating value within a wider community. Outside the festival, I am mainly engaged in academic work. I conduct research in the field of social sciences and work at the university. I have also been involved as both a co-founder and participant in various community-oriented social projects. I would recommend the film “Tangerines” (2013) to anyone who hasn’t seen it yet. I enjoy traveling to different places and listening to the stories of the people there.

Gulyaz Hummetzade

Shaki City Coordinator

SevilFest is more than just a festival for me; it is a platform for change, solidarity, and growth.I have been a part of the festival since 2023 and currently serve as the coordinator for the Sheki region. During this time, I have had the opportunity to meet many women entrepreneurs and contribute to promoting and supporting their work. One of the most important aspects of the festival is its educational mission. By screening films not only in regional centers but also in villages, we reach a wider audience and create space for dialogue and reflection on gender equality and various social issues. I am also a teacher, and I enjoy working with young people. In this regard, SevilFest provides me with an opportunity to share my knowledge and experience, meet new people, and contribute positively to society. SevilFest has shown me that sometimes a single film, a conversation, or a meeting can inspire significant changes in the way people think. That is why this festival holds a special place in my life. In my free time, I enjoy sports and participate in hiking activities.

Hasan Badalov

Lankaran City Coordinator

My name is Hasan. I first joined SevilFest in 2022, and since 2023, I have been serving as the festival's coordinator for the city of Lankaran. For me, "SevilFest" is a deeply personal space where I strive to create social impact by working closely with the community. It introduced me to like-minded people with whom I can comfortably share my thoughts. Driven by my passion for cinema, I gained valuable experience by connecting with numerous directors, which I now apply to my own amateur projects. Listening to the stories of our guests allowed me to engage more deeply with reality, motivating us to seek collective solutions to social issues. I am currently pursuing my Master’s degree in New Media. As the former coordinator of the 'obiriotaq' project in Lankaran, I have worked on organizing various social and cultural events, workshops, and initiatives. Alongside my academic and coordinator background, I have a deep interest in literature and actively write short stories and poetry.

Aitan Iakubova

Lankaran City Coordinator

I joined SevilFest 2025 as the coordinator for Lankaran. My main role is to coordinate the organizational aspects of the festival, bring participants together, and help ensure that the festival is successfully held in our city. For me, SevilFest is a special space where women’s voices are heard, experiences are shared, and solidarity is strengthened. SevilFest has given me many of the things I deeply missed after moving to Azerbaijan: the opportunity to engage in meaningful socially impactful work, meet new people, discuss issues affecting women, and participate in educational and awareness-raising activities. Outside of the festival, I lead a charitable foundation called Nadjima. Our foundation supports girls from rural communities across Azerbaijan in accessing education and expanding their opportunities for the future. A film that I believe everyone should watch is Pride by Matthew Warchus. An interesting fact about me is that I live with my family in the village of Osaküçə. We have a small farm with three lambs, chickens, two cats, a hamster, and a dog.

Teyba Safarova

Social media strategist

I'm Teyba (five letters, without the “i”) Safarova. I joined the SevilFest team in 2026 as a Social Media Strategist. SevilFest is a project that means more to me than words can express. I first came across it when a friend invited me, saying, “They have free film screenings.” The first film I watched at SevilFest was Honeyland. After experiencing both the film and the atmosphere of the festival, I immediately realized that SevilFest was so much more than just “free film screenings.” Every year, I look forward to SevilFest with the same excitement and affection as if I were waiting for a dear friend arriving from far away. SevilFest has given me faith that beautiful things are still possible, and I truly hope that this sense of hope continues to shine for many years to come. Professionally, I work in the field of marketing. Over the years, I have written numerous advertising scripts and worked on a wide range of social media projects. I hope documentary film lovers get the chance to experience these films in the unique atmosphere of SevilFest. And if they haven't seen it yet, I highly recommend Seven Winters in Tehran. Although I don’t have a pet at home, all the cats and dogs in my neighborhood seem to stop me on the street and greet me with the same look: “So, what did you bring us to eat today?”

Bahar Zeynalli

Creative Events Manager

My journey with SevilFest began as an audience member. The first film I watched here was My Name is Happy. Later, I joined the team as a host and moderator, but it did not take long for me to realize that I wanted to contribute more deeply to the festival’s creative side. Today, I work as SevilFest’s Creative Events Manager, developing creative events and partnerships that extend the festival experience beyond the film programme. For me, SevilFest is a space where I can celebrate my identity and connect with people who share the same values. Here, I learned that a festival is more than a series of events; it is a living community that brings people together and fosters meaningful connections. Outside the festival, I work as a Sales and Marketing Manager at an international art gallery. Throughout my career, I have worked across brand and marketing communications, cultural projects, and festival management, bringing together art, communication, and audience engagement. A film I believe everyone should watch is Feminists: What Were They Thinking? A fun fact about me: I once directed a documentary film about one of Azerbaijan’s nature reserves. The film was shortlisted for the Best Short Film category as part of the “Leave No One Behind” initiative by the Copenhagen Architecture Forum (CAFx).

Gudrat Gurban

Tiktok content manager

I am Gudrat Gurban. I joined the SevilFest family in 2026 as a TikTok Content Manager, but I’ve been a loyal and consistent follower of this festival for years. I graduated from the Azerbaijan State University of Culture and Arts with a degree in Drama and Film Acting, so as an actor, being in the creative atmosphere of this festival is deeply meaningful to me. For me, SevilFest is the ideal environment to combine people's stories with digital trends and create a genuine "vibe". I have always believed in the power of bringing people together; where there is a healthy unity, there are always beautiful results. This festival has given me the opportunity to merge my creativity with digital visuals and to see more deeply how art transforms people into a great community. Outside the festival, I continue my professional activities as a Content Team Lead at an advertising agency, where I manage and plan large-scale projects. Afterward, I love taking time off to go on travels and discover new places. If you were to ask me for a film recommendation that everyone must watch, I would say without hesitation any film by my favorite director, the master of colors and emotions, Pedro Almodóvar. An interesting fact about me is that I am the founder of the More&More community. I love taking everyone along for runs, hikes, and camping trips even if I have to nudge them a little! And, of course, I have a world-class sweet dog named Luna.

Tabib Hasanzada

Technical Coordinator

I am Tabib Hasanzada, and I joined SevilFest in 2026 as a technical coordinator. Every year, SevilFest brings me new films, new people, new experiences, and fresh perspectives, and I look forward to them eagerly each time. Outside of SevilFest, I do music and programming. The documentary that I believe everyone should watch is Forugh Farrokhzad’s short documentary film, The House Is Black.