Head of Azerbaijan's top cinema network attends Cannes Film Festival (PHOTO)

Zaur Darabzade, CEO of CineMastercard—the largest cinema network in Azerbaijan—attended the 79th Cannes Film Festival, participating in a special anniversary screening of *The Fast and the Furious* (2001). The event, organized by the Cinema Agency of Azerbaijan as part of Cannes Classics, marked the franchise’s 25th anniversary and took place at the Grand Théâtre Lumière, drawing international attention. The screening featured stars Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, Jordana Brewster, producer Neal Moritz, and Meadow Walker, daughter of the late Paul Walker. Vin Diesel’s emotional tribute to Walker and Meadow’s appearance were among the evening’s most discussed moments, celebrating the film’s legacy as a global cultural phenomenon. *The Fast and the Furious* has grossed over $7 billion worldwide since its release, solidifying its status as one of cinema’s most successful franchises. The Cannes Classics program honored its impact, with the event described as one of the festival’s most talked-about midnight premieres. Darabzade’s participation underscores Azerbaijan’s expanding role in the international film industry, according to a statement from CineMastercard. The network operates 10 premium cinemas equipped with advanced technologies, including Skybox, VIP DIAMOND screenings, and 4DX/ScreenX formats, and partners with major studios like Universal Pictures, Disney, and Warner Bros. The event also highlighted CineMastercard’s ability to screen films simultaneously with global premieres, reinforcing its position as a leader in Azerbaijan’s film sector. The festival’s red carpet appearance further demonstrated the country’s growing integration into the global cinema community.