“My Hero” National Comics Competition Launched to Inspire Young Creators in Azerbaijan
- Apr 8
- 2 min read
Baku, Azerbaijan – March 17, 2026
The Association of Turkic Animation (ATA) welcomes the launch of the national comics competition “My Hero,” an initiative aimed at encouraging creative expression among young people in Azerbaijan through visual storytelling and contemporary narrative forms.
Organized in the context of a new cultural phase following Azerbaijan’s recent historical developments, the competition seeks to support the emergence of new national narratives and heroic figures. By inviting participants to interpret the idea of “heroism” through comics and graphic stories, the initiative provides a platform for young creators to reflect on history, personal experiences, and imagination.
The competition is open to secondary school students aged 14 to 18 across Azerbaijan. Participants may apply individually or in teams of two, combining the roles of writer and illustrator. Submissions must be original, unpublished works in Azerbaijani, ranging from 8 to 20 pages, and submitted in PDF format along with the authors’ contact details.
The theme “My Hero” allows for a wide range of interpretations, including historical figures, contemporary role models such as teachers or doctors, fictional or fantastical characters, as well as symbolic representations of inner strength and values. Entries will be evaluated based on originality, narrative strength, emotional impact, visual quality, relevance to the theme, and potential for animation adaptation.
The jury will include representatives from the Ministry of Culture, the Azerbaijan Republic Cinema Agency, the Azim Azimzade State Art College, the Media Development Agency, the Edibin Evi Literary Support Fund, and an independent literary expert.
Winners will receive the following awards:
First Prize: 3,000 AZN and professional adaptation of the comic into an animated short film
Second Prize: 2,000 AZN (two winners)
Third Prize: 1,000 AZN (three winners)
In addition, selected works will be featured in exhibitions (physical or online), and winners will receive certificates and media support. The first-place project will be developed into a short animated film by a professional animation team, with the original creators actively involved in the production process and officially credited.
Media and additional materials are available at the following links:
