In a Azerbaijan, in the beginning of this century, the first films made in the history of cinema are shown.The characters meet each other in a room. Three characters who will witness the linking up of their destinies through their common love for this new captivating art.
Direction
Salayev channels Tarkovsky's patience with Fellini's self-reflexive playfulness.
Cinematography
Lush period recreation that makes 80 minutes feel like a fever dream.
Writing
Screenplay within a screenplay—cinema eating its own tail elegantly.
Director
Ayaz Salayev
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
References real 1898 Azerbaijani shorts by Alexandre Michon, including 'The Oil Gush Fire in Bibi-Heybat'—some of the oldest Muslim-world cinema.
The 'bat' title refers to both the nocturnal creature and an archaic term for early film projection equipment, doubling the film's meditation on shadows and light.
AZ
