This May, at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, a soulful and cinematic celebration of womanhood took center stage. “Women and Roads: The Way to Yourself. Azerbaijan”, directed by dynamic duo Kristina Kretova and Anna Kameneva, was showcased in two screenings in Palais du Festival and as part of a special event organized by FemaleFilmClub at Villa Forbes. This visually striking and emotionally resonant film continues the directors’ global series exploring feminine identity through culture, travel, and authentic storytelling.
We sat down with the directors and main project protagonists, Narmin Alakbarova and Narmina Hasanova, to discuss their creative process, cultural mission, and what it meant to bring Azerbaijan to the screen.
Interview with Directors Kristina Kretova & Anna Kameneva
Q: Kristina, Anna—how does your co-directing process work as a female duo? Do you ever face creative tension?
Kristina: Oh, absolutely! We’re both strong-willed and passionate, so disagreements are inevitable—but they’re also productive. They keep the creative fire alive.
Anna: It’s like a dance. Sometimes one of us leads, sometimes the other. But we always meet in the middle, and the end result is stronger because of it.
Q: You’re both part of the FemaleFilmClub. What does that community mean to you?
Anna: It’s a safe and powerful space where women support each other’s work and ideas. We share stories, lift each other up, and collaborate in meaningful ways.
Kristina: It’s also incredibly inspiring. The club fuels our creative drive, and events like this in Cannes give our work visibility and context. Sharing this film at Villa Forbes, alongside women like Narmina and Narmin, was a truly joyful and proud moment.
Q: Tell us about the genesis of “Women and Roads: The Way to Yourself.” How did the Azerbaijan chapter come about?
Anna: The series began as a way to explore female self-discovery through different cultural lenses. Each film is a new chapter, highlighting women’s journeys in unique settings.
Kristina: Azerbaijan was a natural fit—its beauty, its stories, and the strength of its women resonated with us. We met Narmin in Marbella, and the connection was immediate. From there, everything aligned beautifully.
Q: Why dedicate this chapter specifically to female friendship?
Kristina: Azerbaijan is a land of ancient traditions and legendary warrior women like the Amazons. That deep-rooted strength inspired us to spotlight the power of female connection—how much stronger we are when we stand together.
Anna: Friendship, support, and sisterhood are universal. This film is a tribute to that invisible thread that connects women across cultures.
Interview with Project Partners & Protagonists: Narmin Alakbarova & Narmina Hasanova
Q: Narmin, how did your involvement with the film begin?
Narmin: I met Anna and Kristina at a festival in Marbella. We started discussing a project about Azerbaijani women, and I was immediately intrigued. As I got to know them, I was touched by how sincere and passionate they were—it was impossible to say no.
Q: And Narmina, how did you come on board?
Narmina: Narmin called and asked if I’d be willing to represent Azerbaijan and showcase its beauty and entrepreneurship to the world. I said “yes” without hesitation. It was spontaneous but deeply meaningful.
Q: What were your main hopes during the production process?
Narmina: My goal was to show the emotional and visual richness of Azerbaijan—to make the audience feel something powerful about our culture and landscapes.
Narmin: For me, it was about pride. We traveled to places even I hadn’t visited before. It was emotional to introduce Kristina and Anna to the magic of our homeland—and to know we were showing that to the world.
Q: How was the film received during the pre-screening in Baku this March?
Narmin: The response was amazing. It was a small, intimate screening, but people were visibly moved. We’re planning something much bigger for November. This project can motivate young girls and make them believe in their potential.
Narmina: I agree. Viewers connected with the film deeply. It wasn’t just entertainment—it was heartfelt. Many were inspired by how beautifully the film portrayed our country and its women.
Q: Would you want to participate in a similar project again?
Narmina: Without a doubt. Being part of this was fulfilling on so many levels. I’d love to work again with Anna and Kristina.
Narmin: I’m ready for part two if they are! This project awakened something powerful in me.
About the Film
“Women and Roads: The Way to Yourself. Azerbaijan” is the third installment in a global documentary series that explores female identity, courage, and connection through diverse cultural narratives. The project uses travel and storytelling as tools of empowerment, with each film rooted in the landscapes and lived experiences of real women.
About the Directors
Kristina Kretova and Anna Kameneva are international filmmakers dedicated to elevating women’s stories on screen. Their collaboration is both dynamic and rare in the film industry, characterized by bold visuals, emotional narratives, and a shared commitment to cultural storytelling.
About FemaleFilmClub
FemaleFilmClub is a vibrant global network of women in cinema who champion visibility, support, and collaboration among female filmmakers. The organization hosts curated screenings and networking events at major festivals including Cannes, empowering women to bring bold stories to life.
