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AnewZ has presented its new documentary, “Counterpoint,” in Berlin. The film explores more than two centuries of shared history between Germany and Azerbaijan and the legacy of German communities in Azerbaijan.
The documentary traces the arrival of German settlers in Azerbaijan in the early 19th century and the relationships they built with local communities over generations. Drawing on personal accounts, archival material and expert views, it examines both achievements in the countries’ shared history and painful episodes, including the deportation of German communities from Azerbaijan in 1941 under Soviet rule led by Joseph Stalin.
The film crew travelled about 2,700 kilometres in Germany and Azerbaijan, meeting descendants of German settlers and visiting places connected with their history.
AnewZ Executive Director Rufat Hamzayev said the documentary aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of the two countries’ shared history. He said he hoped “Counterpoint” would help audiences understand this history better and that discussions would continue after the film ended.
Diplomats highlight significance of shared history
At the screening, Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to Germany Nasimi Aghayev spoke about the historical ties between the two societies. He said these ties were gaining greater significance as Azerbaijan and Germany raised their bilateral partnership to a new strategic level.
Ambassador Anja Vallau, who heads bilateral relations with EU member states at Germany’s Federal Foreign Office, also addressed the event. She highlighted the importance of German heritage in Azerbaijan and the need to bring this little-known chapter of history to a wider audience.
Diplomats, historians, participants in the film and other guests attended the Berlin screening. The event offered an opportunity to revisit a shared history that remains part of the relationship between Germany and Azerbaijan.
