Ulduz Madatkhanova
Production
Biography
Ulduz Madatkhanova is an Azerbaijani filmmaker with a strong interest in identity, memory, and cultural heritage. She moved to Turkey in 2014 to study film directing at Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University, where she graduated in 2018. Since then, she has directed several short films and worked in various key roles including executive producer, art director, and assistant director. Her experience as an editor on the acclaimed Turkish-Georgian documentary Memtevri deepened her connection to nonfiction storytelling. In 2020, she directed her first short documentary Roots, a personal exploration of the disappearing Lezgi ethnic minority—her own heritage. She is currently developing Gudul, a hybrid docu-fiction project that delves into the unique spring rituals of her hometown, Gusar, in northern Azerbaijan. Since 2023, Ulduz has been continuing her film education at the International Film School Cologne (ifs), in the Master’s program Film – Co-Creation and Innovation for Social Change, where she focuses on collaborative and cross-cultural storytelling.
Known For
Sait, a man committed to his faith, has turned his back on the material world. This peaceful existence is shattered by a news story he sees on television and a municipal worker who comes knocking on his door in the middle of the night.
Doubt
How does mobility reflect social status and racism? A story of two African American women working to provide and improve mobility in their community, as they tell the history of the Safe Bus - formerly the biggest black-owned transportation system in the world.
The Lack of It
Constantine and his wife, who are in their 70s, could not leave Istanbul, a city the Greeks were compelled to leave at different times for many various reasons. With the death of his wife, Constantine is overcome by thoughts and dreams about the past by associating his wife with Istanbul. Just like his wife, who never wanted to leave Istanbul, he cannot break away from her or the city.