Biography

About

A fine-art painter turned production designer, shaping the visual identity of Azerbaijani cinema — from period epics to intimate dramas and horror.

The Designer

Where craft meets the frame

Sebuhi Atababayev is an Azerbaijani production designer, art director and colorist whose work has defined the visual identity of some of the country's most ambitious films. Trained as a fine-art painter, he brings the eye of a colorist and the discipline of a craftsman to every frame.

A member of the Azerbaijan Union of Artists and the International Association of Activist Artists, he is also an educator — teaching the next generation of production designers at two national academies. His work spans period epics, intimate dramas, horror and international productions.

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Years of Experience
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Films & Series
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Awards
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International Productions

The Journey

2003–2008
Azim Azimzade Art College

Decorative & Applied Arts — the foundation of a lifelong visual craft.

2008–2013
State Academy of Fine Arts

Bachelor's & Master's in Theatre and Cinema Painting — both with distinction, under masters Kamil Najafzade and Mais Aghabeyov.

2012
Entering Cinema

Begins working professionally as a production designer and art director across film, television and music video.

2013 → present
Teaching the Craft

Faculty at the State Academy of Fine Arts and, since 2016, at the University of Culture and Arts — teaching "Production Design in Cinema" and authoring its curriculum.

2022
Venice Premiere — Banu

Production design for "Banu", premiering in competition at the Venice Film Festival.

2024–2025
The Taghiyev Era & Three Awards

The monumental "Taghiyev" saga earns three Best Production Designer awards — critics' guild, cinematographers' union and the Golden Fairy Awards.

Recognition

Awarded for the craft

Three Best Production Designer honors in a single year.

2025

Best Production Designer

Azerbaijan Film Critics Guild

For · Tağıyev: Neft
2025

Best Production Designer

Azerbaijan Cinematographers Union

For · Tağıyev: Neft & Bəlkə də
2025

Best Production Designer

Golden Fairy Awards

For · Tağıyev: Neft