Baku: The opening ceremony of the Lachin International Film Festival (LIFF 2026) was held in the city of Lachin. Held under the slogan 'Where Film Meets LIFE,' the festival is the first international film festival in Garabagh and East Zangezur. The festival marks a new stage in the cultural life of the region.

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, out of nearly 300 submissions from 47 countries, 38 films, including 20 foreign and 18 Azerbaijani productions, were selected for the official program. The ceremony began with screenings of promotional videos for the festival. Addressing the event, Masim Mammadov, Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Lachin district, noted the particular importance of holding the festival. He underlined that organizing the event on the eve of August 26, Lachin City Day, carries symbolic significance.

Rahman Hajiyev, Chairman of the Executive Board of the Garabagh Revival Fund, emphasized that Lachin is an ideal location for cinema and visual arts. Members of the festival jury then delivered speeches. According to the competition results, seven films will receive the 'Golden Oak Branch,' the official prize of the Lachin International Film Festival.

The festival is supported by the Office of the Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Lachin district, the Ministry of Culture, the Cinema Agency, the Garabagh Revival Fund, Baku Landscaping Service, the Restoration, Construction and Management Service in Lachin district, the Azerbaijan Producers Guild, and the Lachin Landscaping Service.