Sermon to the Void (2026)

(original title: Boşluğa xütbə) is a 2025 international co-production directed and written by Hilal Berdarov, featuring a narrative set against the backdrop of an impending apocalypse. The film follows protagonist Shah Ismail as he embarks on a perilous journey to find the Waters of Life, blending elements of drama and spiritual quest. Produced jointly by Azerbaijan, Mexico, and Turkey, the movie is presented in the Azerbaijani language and runs for 112 minutes.

The film premiered at the prestigious Venice Film Festival on September 5, 2025, where it garnered significant attention for its thematic depth and visual storytelling. Following its debut, it was selected for the main competition of the 38th Tokyo International Film Festival, earning a nomination for Best Film. This dual festival recognition highlights the film's impact on the global independent cinema circuit.

• The production represents a collaborative effort between three distinct nations: Azerbaijan, Mexico, and Turkey, reflecting a cross-cultural cinematic approach.
• The cast includes notable performers such as Hossein Naserifard, Maryam Naghiyeva, Lana Asgarova, Elshan Abbasov, and Orkhan Iskandari.
• The film was nominated for Best Film at the 38th Tokyo International Film Festival, marking a critical success for director Hilal Berdarov.
• It holds the IMDb identifier tt37660548 and has been screened in major European festivals prior to potential wider distribution.
• The narrative explores theological and existential themes, aligning with the artistic tone seen in other contemporary arthouse works released in the mid-2020s.