The short documentary film “In the Shadow of the Plane Tree” by Aynur Elgunesh, the imprisoned editor-in-chief of Meydan TV, continues to gain international recognition. The film has been selected for the program of three prestigious festivals in a row.
Aynur Ganbarova (Elgunesh) was detained on December 6, 2024, in connection with the "Meydan TV case."
She was charged under Article 206.3.2 of the Criminal Code (smuggling committed by a group of persons with prior collusion) and was placed in pre-trial detention by court order.
Aynur Ganbarova (Elgunesh) denies the charges and states that she was arrested due to her journalistic activities.
The film will be screened as part of the short film program at the 22nd Global Peace Film Festival (USA), taking place from September 22–28. Since 2012, the festival has served as an important platform for presenting peace-themed films and fostering discussion and solidarity.
The film has also been included in the competition program of the Press Play Prague – International Journalism Film Festival, which will take place in Prague from October 7–11, 2025. This year’s edition will focus on the theme “Journalism Under Pressure,” highlighting the relationship between media and power structures, censorship, disinformation, and the sacrifices made by independent journalists.
Additionally, the film will be screened in the competition program of the 18th edition of the Entretodos Festival (Brazil), held in São Paulo. This festival is dedicated to short films that focus on human rights and citizenship.
“In the Shadow of the Plane Tree” is based on Aynur Elgunesh’s personal story. After 28 years, she returns as a journalist to her native city Aghdam, which she had to leave as a displaced person. There, Aynur searches for traces of her past and childhood among memories and ruins. The film had its world premiere at the Sarajevo Film Festival in 2022.
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