A Vagif Mustafayev Film
Nasreddin Hoca
A Friend of Hard Times
Co-production within International TURKSOY Organization
AzerbaijanKazakhstanKyrgyzstanTürkiyeTurkmenistanUzbekistan
A Vagif Mustafayev Film
A Friend of Hard Times
Co-production within International TURKSOY Organization
Coming Soon
Coming 2026
Nasreddin Hoca is one of the most beloved folk figures of the Turkic world — a legendary satirical philosopher whose timeless wit and wisdom have resonated across centuries and borders. This ambitious international co-production, realized under the umbrella of the TURKSOY organization, brings together the creative talent and cultural heritage of six Turkic nations: Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Türkiye, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Shot across multiple countries with a multinational cast and crew, the film captures the universal spirit of Nasreddin's stories — tales of resilience, humor, and humanity in the face of hardship. Currently in post-production, the film is set for release in 2026 and aims to introduce this iconic character to a global audience through the power of cinema.
In the harsh world of a 15th-century "House of Punishment," a young sculptor named Ibrahim finds himself condemned for daring to defy the tyrant rulers with his art. Stripped of hope and surrounded by despair, Ibrahim encounters an extraordinary fellow prisoner — the legendary Nasreddin Hoca. Through a series of captivating, humorous, and deeply human stories, Nasreddin teaches Ibrahim that laughter is the sharpest weapon against oppression, and that the spirit cannot be imprisoned. As the tales unfold, Ibrahim discovers the courage to resist, the strength to endure, and the wisdom to see beyond the walls of his confinement. Their bond becomes a testament to the enduring power of storytelling, friendship, and the unbreakable human will.
Director & Screenwriter
Vagif Mustafayev is an acclaimed Azerbaijani filmmaker, screenwriter, and cultural figure known for his distinctive cinematic vision that bridges Eastern storytelling traditions with contemporary filmmaking. With decades of experience in both documentary and narrative cinema, Mustafayev brings a deeply personal and culturally rich perspective to the story of Nasreddin Hoca. His passion for preserving and reimagining the shared cultural heritage of the Turkic world drives every frame of this ambitious international co-production.
This film represents a landmark moment for the cultural unity of the Turkic world. Nasreddin Hoca belongs to all of us — his wisdom, humor, and humanity transcend borders. Through this co-production, we demonstrate that cinema can be a bridge between nations, carrying our shared heritage to audiences around the globe.
Producing Nasreddin Hoca has been a journey of bringing together extraordinary talent from across the Turkic nations. This is more than a film — it is a cultural statement. We have assembled over 150 professionals from 11 countries, built a 3,000 m² custom pavilion, and crafted over 200 historical costumes to bring this timeless story to life with the authenticity and scale it deserves.
Nasreddin Hoca
Ibrahim
The Tyrant
Supporting Role
Supporting Role
Supporting Role
Producer
Director & Screenwriter
Director of Photography
Composer
Azerbaijan
Kazakhstan
Kyrgyzstan
Türkiye
Turkmenistan
Uzbekistan
Cinema & Culture
Azerbaijan — Cinema & Culture
Kazakhstan — Cinema & Culture
Kyrgyzstan — Cinema & Culture
Türkiye — Cinema & Culture
Turkmenistan — Cinema & Culture
Uzbekistan — Cinema & Culture
150+ Professionals from 11 Countries
An extraordinary multinational creative team has come together to bring Nasreddin Hoca to life — uniting cinematographers, set designers, costume artists, sound engineers, and visual effects specialists from across the Turkic world and beyond.
Cinemas: ~60
Audience: 2.0M
Cinemas: ~350
Audience: 12.0M
Cinemas: ~50
Audience: 1.4M
Cinemas: ~2,800
Audience: 60.0M
Cinemas: ~50
Audience: 1.0M
Cinemas: ~150
Audience: 5.0M
Total Cinema Halls
3,360 – 3,640
Total Annual Audience
78.4M – 94.0M
Sketch Authors: Kuat Telubayev
Costume Designer: Zauresh Zhabagina — 200+ Historical Costumes
Custom-Built Film Pavilion — 3,000 m² — Built in 100 Days
Behind the Scenes
