Brand New Year

The events coincide with the last day of the year. Vagif, who retired a few years ago, returns from playing chess with his former deputy, who is also a recluse, and picks up a woman he knows from afar in his car. From the phone calls they receive on the way, it becomes clear that the passenger's son, just like Vagif's daughter, lives abroad with his family. During the conversation, it also becomes clear that this woman is Nigar, Vagif's former classmate with whom he studied for half a year and his first love, to whom he never had the chance to confess his love. Both of them are now widows. The day, which continues with surprise meetings, ends with both of them attending the New Year's celebration with other former classmates and their grandchildren Banuchichek and Beyrak, who came from abroad to spend the holiday with them.

Directed by Siraj Mustafayev, Brand New Year leans on a strong ensemble — Cahangir Novruzov, Khalida Guliyeva, Shamil Suleymanli — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about comedy titles of 2024.