Event type: Documentary

Location: Splendid Palace, the Great Hall

Event language: English (with Latvian voice over in headphones)

Estimated duration: 40 min.

Organized by: Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the Republic of Latvia

About the Film — The Legend of Khari Bulbul

Directed by Swedish filmmaker and photographer Mikael Silkeberg, this 40-minute documentary celebrates the city of Shusha, the cultural capital of Azerbaijan, renowned as the cradle of Azerbaijani music and poetry.

Through stunning visuals and insights from Azerbaijani and Scandinavian scholars, the film explores Shusha’s artistic legacy, enduring spirit, and the Kharibulbul flower (Ophrys caucasica) — a rare endemic orchid and timeless symbol of victory. The flower’s shape inspired the legend of the rose and the nightingale, a story central to Azerbaijani folklore and adapted by the prominent Danish author Hans Christian Andersen.

Mikael Silkeberg also traces a cultural bridge between Azerbaijan and Scandinavia, uncovering parallels in folklore and exploring the connections between East and West reflected in the works of famous Azerbaijani artists.

 Screened in Azerbaijan, Sweden, the U.S., France, the UAE, Finland, and more — now premiering in Latvia!

The event will feature the remarks by director Mikael Silkeberg sharing his reflections on bringing “The Legend of Khari Bulbul” to life.

Please be informed that only registered people will be allowed into the event. Registration form here.