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The Legend of Khari Bulbul
The Legend of Khari Bulbul, directed by Swedish filmmaker Mikael Silkeberg, is a 40-minute documentary dedicated to the rich cultural and historical significance of Shusha, the cultural capital of Azerbaijan. Known as the “cradle of Azerbaijani music,” Shusha is celebrated for its deep connections to Azerbaijani literature, the traditional music form of mugham, and its remarkable resilience in the face of adversity.
The film also highlights the symbolic role of the Khari Bulbul flower, which has become a symbol of victory and liberation.
Through interviews with cultural and literary experts and historians from both Azerbaijan and Scandinavia, Mikael Silkeberg offers viewers a deep dive into the significance of Shusha’s cultural heritage and its enduring importance to the Azerbaijani identity.
Film by Mikael Silkeberg
Production Supervisor: Rahim Sadiqbeyli
Director of Photography: Mikael Silkeberg
First Assistant Director: Rahim Sadiqbeyli
Sound design: Mehmet Ikiz
Makeup Artist: Elbrus Vahidov - Eldar Israfilov
Consultant: Pr. Thingiz Abdullayev
Administrator: Ali Sattar Guliyev
Coordinator: Namig Aghayev
Archive Chief: Vugar Taptigli
Camera operator: Noah Silkeberg
Post production: Noah Silkeberg
Opera Film Director: Mehdi Mamedov
Casting: Rufat Hasanov
Artist: Togrul Agayev
Trailer:
Mikael Silkeberg
Mikael Silkeberg was born to Swedish parents in Copenhagen, Denmark, and came back to Sweden at age 11 and is currently living in Stockholm. He has been working as a professional photographer since 1984. He holds a degree from Biskops Arnö, The Nordic School of Photography and has been a student of the well known photographer Christer Strömholm. Mikael’s work as an established photographer covers a wide spectrum – from movie still pictures nand theatre, artist portraits, landscapes, commercial assignments, and Royal assignments with H.M. Queen Silva of Sweden. He also has had several exhibitions in Stockholm and Paris and has been working with the well known (million-CD-selling) artist Emilia (music video and stills). His many travels to Turkey, The Caribbeans, United States,Canada, East and South Africa, Nepal, India and several major cities Paris, New York, Berlin,Arizona has resulted in some spectacular pictures, many of them shown in his exhibitions today.