Sabina Hasanova

Biography

# Sabina Hasanova, Biography Sabina Hasanova is an Azerbaijani film professional, casting director, producer, and entrepreneur best known as the Founder and Director of BestCast, Azerbaijan's first professional casting agency. Since establishing the company in 2014, she has played a significant role in the development of Azerbaijan's film and television industry by connecting actors, filmmakers, production companies, and international studios. Hasanova graduated with a degree in Television Directing from the Azerbaijan State University of Culture and Arts. She began her career in film production as an assistant director, gaining extensive experience in managing complex productions and collaborating with local and international creative teams. During the early years of her career, she contributed to numerous music videos, feature films, and commercial productions, working alongside internationally recognized filmmakers and production crews. Recognizing the growing need for a professional casting infrastructure in Azerbaijan, Hasanova founded BestCast in July 2014. Under her leadership, the agency became the country's pioneering professional casting company and has since established itself as one of the leading organizations in the Azerbaijani entertainment industry. BestCast has developed the nation's largest casting database and has participated in nearly 2,000 productions, including feature films, television series, commercials, concerts, live shows, and major international events. Throughout her career, Hasanova has overseen casting for a wide range of acclaimed productions. Her agency has contributed to domestic films such as *Son İclas* ("The Last Session"), *20 Yanvarda Doğulanlar*, and the *Oğlan Evi* comedy films, as well as international projects, including the Russian television series *Magomaev*. Her work extends beyond talent selection to production coordination, actor management, contract administration, and the organization of large-scale crowd scenes. A strong advocate for discovering new talent, Hasanova has consistently emphasized the importance of selecting actors based on artistic ability rather than popularity or social media presence. Through BestCast, she has created opportunities for thousands of aspiring performers, introducing fresh faces to Azerbaijani cinema, television, and advertising while supporting collaborations between local talent and international productions. In addition to her work in film and television, Hasanova has been involved in organizing cultural initiatives and talent competitions designed to encourage and promote emerging artists. Her commitment to professional standards and talent development has made her one of the most recognized figures in Azerbaijan's casting industry. Today, Sabina Hasanova continues to lead BestCast, working with filmmakers, producers, advertising agencies, and international partners while contributing to the growth and international visibility of Azerbaijan's creative industries. Her work has helped establish professional casting practices in the country and has played an important role in shaping the modern Azerbaijani screen industry.