Rustam Ibrahimbeyov was born on 5 February 1939 in Baku, into the family of Mahammad Ibrahimbeyov, originally from Shamakhi, and Fatima Mashadibeyova. He graduated from the Azerbaijan Institute of Oil and Chemistry, and later trained as a screenwriter and director at the All-Union State Institute of Cinematography in Moscow. More than 40 feature films, television films and stage productions have been made based on his works. He is the founder of the company "Ibrus" (IB — Ibrahimbeyov, RUS — Rustam), established in 1989, and of the theatre of the same name. He has been engaged in writing since 1962. Fifteen of his plays have been staged in theatres in more than 100 countries around the world. On 7 June 2013 he was elected chairman of the newly established National Council of Democratic Forces. From 2 July 2013 he was put forward as the National Council's single candidate for the presidency of the Republic of Azerbaijan, but on 27 August 2013, at a session of the Central Election Commission, it was decided not to confirm his candidacy on the grounds of dual citizenship. On 3 December 2013, Jamil Hasanli was elected chairman of the National Council, and Rustam Ibrahimbeyov was elected honorary chairman. Rustam Ibrahimbeyov passed away in Moscow on 11 March 2022, at the age of 83, after a long illness. On 13 March 2022 a farewell ceremony for the artist was held at the Central House of Cinematographers in Moscow, and on 16 March his remains were brought to Baku. The artist was laid to rest in the First Alley of Honour.
