The script of the multi-series film “Citizen A” was written based on the motifs of the play “Almaz” by Jafar Jabbarli. Just as a teacher who came from the city to a remote village in 1930 not only teaches, but also fights against ignorance, the hero of today’s series “Almaz” fights against conservatism despite all the pressures of life rural. He gets angry, hits each other, and insults each other, but he never backs down from his convictions. To change this way of thinking, as they say, you sacrifice yourself.
Oku.Az He played the character “Almaz” in the multi-series film “Citizen A.” Sun Mehdizadeh was an interlocutor with
– In one of your interviews you said that going on stage with a historical film gives you a responsibility, and that is why you made a decision after analyzing the offers. What do you pay attention to when they offer you a movie?
– Yes, my first role, playing “My Brother Agha” in the historical film, imposed a responsibility on me. Even when I get film offers, I don’t play run-of-the-mill, “meat and fish” characters. I see that it is not necessary to have the Sun here, you can work with another person. Of course, as this is our source of income and the field in which we work, when there are commercial films, if the character is “empty”, I bring it to life when it is possible to give it full shape together with the director. .
-How did you decide to play the character of “Almaz”? What made you want to play this character?
– When I read the script, I saw the strong character he has. I also found this image very interesting. I saw signs in myself to relive it. I played with great pleasure.
– What are the difficult aspects of filming in the town? What challenges did you face?
– Bayan is a very remote town. The roads are difficult. There was a house where no machinery could climb. The staff lifted the equipment with their hands. It is a town with bad conditions and water problems. Due to the fact that we were filming in the middle of summer, we were experiencing difficulties in terms of conditions.
You know, cinema is a chain art. I always say this. Elvin Rustamzade, the talented film director, knows how to explain and direct immediately when there is a problem, when there is something that is not clear in the scene or in the character. The script is also very strong. It is so well written that almost nothing is left in the dark. That’s why I didn’t have any major difficulties.
– “Diamond” is a conservative, persistent and fighting image. But does “Diamond” have similar characters to the Sun?
– “Almaz” has many similarities with Sun. The sun is also a rebel, a supporter of law and justice. If he sees something in front of his eyes related to injustice, he will immediately express his opinion. The only difference is that “Diamond” is alone. He thinks there is no one to lose, he only has one life. Whatever happens, it will cost you. That is why he goes ahead and tries to save the people from ignorance. It’s not even for single women, men have a hard time being there. “Almaz” states that “not only women suffer from these laws, but also men.” Some of the things that “Almaz” did, the Sun would not do. I wouldn’t try to change anything against such a conservative society. Because the Sun has something to lose and “Almaz” does not.
– Do you think that today’s teachers will resist the difficulties that “Almaz” is going through?
– Today is a more active period of social networks. Currently, the situation is more difficult for teachers. It is not easy to deal with students who do not sleep well. In this way, I wish the teachers a lot of patience.
– What would Gunesh do if faced with the situation that “Almaz” is facing?
– Actually, this is a very difficult question. Since Sun is also ambitious, he would hardly take a step back.
– Currently, it can be seen that similar events are happening in different regions that are far from sight.
– Yes, the events of the film continue to happen, you can find even worse ones.
– What was the most memorable and interesting moment during the filming of “Citizen A” that you have not forgotten?
– The village of Bayan, where the film was shot, was chosen by chance. I think it resonates with the movie though. The town of Bayan is a very interesting place. I found it very interesting that there were two cemeteries in the town. When we were looking for a cemetery for the filming location, we asked about the location. They said there are two cemeteries. We were surprised by the presence of two cemeteries in the small town. When I asked people, they said that one is the burial place for those who died suddenly and the other is for those who lived a long life and died peacefully. There were also two Albanian churches in that town. One belonged to approximately the 4th century, the other to the 8th-12th century. The villagers called it the “German church.” I was very surprised that they called the church that. Here it was still called the “German church” for a long time. When I said “Albanian”, they insisted it was “German”. Because Dashkesan has gold deposits from the beginning. Residents called these churches “German churches” due to the presence of buildings built by German prisoners of war who were deported to work in that area during World War II.
We entered a house there, there were many books. I was wondering who lives here and has so many books? Because even if we don’t apply to all of them, many people in that town are illiterate. This is where all the problems begin.
– Have you had any difficulty acting out a scene?
– If there was another movie, maybe I could answer. But here the director worked with all the actors one by one. There was no one in the square who was not an actor. So all the characters you see were actors. Professional or beginner, it doesn’t matter. Each one was a person who chose this profession. It is a pleasure to interact with professional people. Therefore, it does not create a great difficulty. I would say exactly the opposite.
– What aspects do you like and don’t like about “Almaz”?
– I really liked the character “Almaz”, he is close to me. I played this character by myself. A person cannot distinguish his negative characteristics from the outside, someone should tell him. I don’t see my negatives either. Now I spoke as “Diamond”. (laughs)
The negative characteristic of “Almaz”, perhaps, is that he wants to get involved in everything and reach out to everyone. Try to do something everywhere. Even if it is to his detriment… Because “Almaz” is beaten there and faces criticism. Maybe “Almaz” should at least think about himself…
Aygun Mirakif
