State Image in Cinema Films: The Example of the Azerbaijan People's Republic in the Film "The Last Meeting”

Documentaries are considered an important tool in shaping society's memory and perception of history. These works influence collective memory by conveying historical events and cultural images. The film "Son İclas," which is the subject of this study, presents significant images related to Azerbaijan's struggle for independence. This documentary plays a critical role in reconstructing Azerbaijan's national identity and collective memory. The aim of this study is to analyze the messages conveyed by "Son İclas" and examine the documentary's impact on social awareness. By addressing past events and historical moments, documentaries serve as a mechanism that reinforces collective memory, and exploring how this process occurs enhances the significance of the research. When analyzed from an analytical perspective, "Son İclas" contains various nuances from sociological, psychological, and political viewpoints. Qualitative methods were used in this study, with scenes from the film, visual images, character dialogues, and how they shape society's perception of history and national identity being examined from an interpretive perspective. According to this approach, the researcher evaluates the documentary as a work of art and highlights viewers' experiences and perceptions. In conclusion, we can say that the documentary "Son İclas" creates an impact on collective memory by utilizing narratives and symbols related to Azerbaijan's history. In this context, the analyses of the film's presentation style and content allow for a deeper understanding of society's relationship with history. Works like "Son İclas" serve as important reference points for understanding how historical events and national experiences resonate with the past and future.